Saffron Finch

(Sicalis Flaveola)

Common Names: Saffron Finch, Yellow Finch, Pelzeln's Finch

Description: This species has a bright yellow body with an orange crown. The back and wings are laced with black eching on the feathers. The eyes are dark, legs grey-pale pink, the upper mandible is grey-black while the lower mandible is ivory in color. Mature females are a sligthly duller version of the male and young hens are often olive-brown with heavy dark streaks.

Size: This species normaly ranges about 5.5 -6 inches (14-16cm).

Origin: The Saffron Finch originated in South America. It inhabits parts of Northern Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and north-east Brazil to central Argentina.

Mutations/Sub-species:

Grassland Yellow Finch (Sicalis Luteola)- very close in apperance but lacks orange crown!

Diet: A good Saffron Finch diet must include a mixture of millets, canary grass seeds, wild seeds and green food . These birds are especially fond of Oat Groats. They will require more green food and livefood when breeding. Ant eggs, small mealworms, waxworms and fruit fly larva can be mixed in with soft food and offered on occasion. Fresh water, cuttlebone and grit should also be supplied at all times. Lettuce, Spinach, Chickweed, Spray Millet, Eggfood, Brocolli tops and Carrot tops can also be offered on a regular basis.

General Care: They are hardy birds but be sure to provide fresh water daily as they love to bathe.

Compatibility: This species is best suited for a mixed aviary with birds of similar size and temperment. If placed with small passive waxbills you will need to watch close to be sure the Saffrons are not being too agressive. In a large walk-in aviary they will be less aggressive as compared to a small finch cage. Normaly aggressiveness increases during the breeding season.

Housing: Saffron Finches will thrive in a planted flight with plently of room to fly and sing. They will require a heated aviary at least to 60-65 degrees during Winter months. They can be housed in double breeder size cages but will easily bore and damage tail feathers flying from one side of the cage bars to the other in small cages.

Song: The male has a nice but repetative song. This species can be shy to sing in front of people when housed in small cages.

Breeding: These birds prove to breed more often in a planted aviary than in breeding cages. They prefer a Parakeet size nestbox positioned in a high sheltered spot such as the corner of a cage. Artifical plant covering around the nestbox will provide them with the nest privacy they need. Nesting material supplied can be dried moss, dried grasses, feathers etc. although they are cavity nesters and do not make great nest if any. The average clutch consist of 3-5 eggs which hatch after 14 days. The hen incubates the eggs alone while the male guards the nest. After the eggs hatch it is important to supply the parents with adequate greenfood, eggfood and livefood. The young Saffrons resemble hens and will fledge around 2 weeks old. Both parents accept feeding responsibilities. Once weaned young should be removed to prevent fighting between father and male offspring. Offspring go through their first adult molt about 12-18 months of age.

Price List: