Orange-fronted Yellow-Finch Sicalis columbiana Scientific name definitions

A smaller and even less streaked version of the more familiar Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola), the Orange-fronted Yellow-Finch is a dainty little bird with an orange forecrown and otherwise largely yellow plumage in males. Females are olive-brown above with a grayish-buff tone to the breast-sides. Orange-fronted Yellow-Finches like open ground, often in close proximity to standing water, and is usually found in pairs or small flocks, often around habitation. Like some other yellow-finches, it has a curiously disjunct range, with three main populations: in the Orinoco basin of northeast Colombia and central Venezuela; central Amazonia in Brazil; and the interior of eastern Brazil, especially in the northern half of the Cerrado biome, where it is apparently most abundant.

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Alvaro began birding as an 11 year old in Canada, and eventually trained in Evolutionary Ecology studying, creatures as varied as leaf-cutter ants and Argentine cowbirds. But his career has been focused on birding tourism, both as a guide and owner of his tour company, as well as a avitourism consultant to various organizations. He is the author of Birds of Chile, New World Blackbirds: The Icterids, as well as the ABA Field Guide to the birds of California. He lives in Half Moon Bay, California where he is known for his pelagic birding trips. Email: alvaro@alvarosadventures.com.