male Saffron Finch

The Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola) is a small bird species occurring originally in large parts of South America outside the Amazon Basin. In addition, it has been introduced to further regions, such as parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and Hawaii. Males and females differ strongly in their plumage: males are yellow with an orange crown, while females are much duller. The birds can often be seen in small groups feeding mainly on seeds. Due to their pleasant singing, they are also commonly kept as caged birds. I have photographed these pretty finches within Panama City in Panama during a journey in March 2014. The species was first recorded in this country in 1951, but today it is quite common at both coasts of the Canal Area.

male Saffron Finch

female Saffron Finch

female Saffron Finch