Saffron Finches

Brazillian Saffron [Sicalis Flaveola]

Classification: Order Passeriformes, Family Emberizidae
Characteristics: Length 15 cm (6 in). Forehead and Crown bright orange. Yellow Head. Greenish-yellow above, with dusky streaks on the mantle; under parts bright yellow. The female is duller above and considerably paler beneath. The older the birds become, the more the yellow and green colors intensify. Eyes dark brown, beak brownish-gray [lower mandible paler], legs deep pink.
Habitat: Scrubs, gardens, parks, forests, palm groves, etc.
Distribution: Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and into the Guianas. Introduced to Jamaica [About 1923].
Captivity: These friendly birds usually build their nest in a tree hollow, which is why they should be supplied with the closed type nesting boxes in the room aviary. Their clutch consists of 3 - 4 white eggs with just a few sparse black or gray. It is not unusual for them to have a few squabbles with other birds during the breeding season, and they may well inspect the nests of these birds too. This is why only one pair should be kept in an aviary, along with some of the sturdier finches that can look after them self. If you wish the birds to breed, it will absolutely necessary to supply a great many insects. Greens must not be forgotten either.

The Brazillian Saffron type on above is the more famous and familiar to the birds lover and breeder. It is common that the Brazillian Saffron were introduced to other country, together with other imported birds such as Gray Singing Finch, Green Singing Finch or Black Throated Canary.
The other Saffron is the smaller one as this article below.

Yellow Grass or Little Saffron [Sicalis Luteola]

Classification: Order Passeriformes, Family Emberizidae
Characteristics: Length 11.5 – 12.5 cm (4.5 - 5 in). As Sicalis Flaviola, with a pale olive head and upper parts, streaked with brown-black. The female is duller in coloration. Eyes dark brown, beak light gray, legs gray.
Habitat: Grassland, cliffs, and marsh border.
Distribution: Mexico to Argentina. Introduce to the Lesser Antilles.
Captivity: Excellent aviary birds. Their behavior resembles that of the Gray Singing Finch. The female lay and incubates 3 – 4 white eggs with dark brown spots. Incubation time 12 -13 days. After 2 weeks the young leave the nest. Both parents feed the youngsters. After 14 months they have the adult plumage. Next to a good Canary menu, insects and greens are essential.

Fr. M.Vriends