The Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola) is a petite songbird with a yellow head, a yellow-green upper body and an orange crown. It’s has a grey bill, legs and feet, and black eyes. Females have slightly muted colors compared to the males and the juveniles are yellow-grey with dark stripes. The Saffron Finch arrived to Hawaii from South America in the 1960’s and is now found in most regions of the Big Island. Saffron Finches feed on seeds, fruit and insects. They build their nests in tree hollows or rock crevasses. The Saffron Finch is a Tanager and is not related to the canary.
