Saffron finch
Canario coronado

Sicalis flaveola

This seedeater sicalis is a medium-sized (13.5 to 15 cm) (5.31 – 5.9 in) bright yellow finch with a large grayish bill and a short wing and tail. Both wing and tail feathers have black edges mixed with yellow. Its legs and feet are pink-gray. It has a characteristic and distinctive orange crown. The upper parts are yellow-green and brilliant yellow underparts. It weighs from 12 to 23 g. The female looks dull and has paler underparts. This sicalis feeds on seeds and insects, generally seen foraging on the ground. A city visitor often seen in pairs and small flocks. Inhabits open and semi-open lowlands. It is not really a canary as it is not related to the wild Atlantic canary (Serinus canaria). It nests in cavities and abandoned nests and house roofs and plant pots. It sings pleasant and repetitious songs and is sold for cages.

La Sicalis Coronada es un pájaro de tamaño medio (13.5 to 15 cm) (5.31 – 5.9”) y de un bello color amarillo brillante. Presenta un pico largo grisáceo. Tiene cola y alas cortas con plumas negras mezcladas de amarillo. Con tono anaranjado en su cara y frente. Su peso fluctua entre 12 a 23 g. La hembra es de un color apagado grisáceo y su parte inferior es pálida y algo parduzca. Se alimenta de insectos, semillas y brotes de pastos que generalmente encuentra en el suelo. No es un canario como tal porque no está asociado geneticamente con el canario silvestre o jilgero (Serinus canaria). Común en zonas urbanas donde nida en los techos usando nidos abandonados o en cavidades en árboles. De canto repetitive y agradable y por esto es apetetida como ave de jaula.