Saffron Finch ( Sicalis flaveola )

There are three other very similar species from the same genus in Brazil. The females and imature individuals are nearly impossible to tell apart, as they are light brown with some darker streaks. The Saffron Finch can be distinguished from the other species for the saffron color, mostly in the breeding season. The Orange-fronted Yellow Finch ( S. columbiana) is smaller than the Saffron Finch, the Stripe-tailed Yellow Finch (S. citrina) has greenish patches on the upper parts and the Grassland Yellow Finch (S. luteola) has brownish spots even in the head.
One of the countryside’s most famous birds, the Saffron Finch’s song is unique for its beaty and complexity. Unfortunately its song and beaty have often cost its freedom as thousands of these birds are captured in the wild to be kept as cage birds. The males are very aggressive to each other and in the past there were people who used them in cruel contests similar to rooster fights.
On the other hand there are serious bird keepers who devote great attention to these birds. There are songbird contests in which a champion bird may cost as much as a popular car.
Feeds mainly on seeds and small insects.
The nest is usually built in holes and even in hornero’s abandoned nests.