Saffron Siskin
Spinus siemiradzkii
Rare finch restricted to arid lowlands and foothills of western Ecuador and far northwestern Peru. Plumage is golden with black wings marked with yellow stripes; male has a dark hood. May overlap with the very similar Hooded Siskin in the foothills of the Andes, and birds seen in this region are not always identifiable. Saffron Siskin is slightly brighter on average, and male’s back is cleaner, lacking dusky markings. Usually seen in small flocks that feed mainly on seeds in trees, bushes, and tall grass.
Identification
The saffron siskin grows to a length of about 10 to 10.5 cm (3.9 to 4.1 in). Like other siskins, the colours of this bird are black, olive and yellow, with black wings with a prominent yellow band on the bases of the flight feathers and another on the wing coverts. The male differs from the male hooded siskin (Spinus magellanicus) in having an unstreaked, golden-olive back and bright yellow underparts. The female differs from the female hooded siskin by being altogether yellower, with yellow underparts rather than grey.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Spinus siemiradzkii
- Authority
- (Berlepsch & Taczanowski, 1884)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Fringillidae
- Genus
- Spinus
Range and habitat
The saffron siskin is endemic to southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru. It is an uncommon bird found near the edges of dry woodland and in adjoining scrubland at altitudes below about 600 m (2,000 ft).
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The behaviour of the saffron siskin is similar to that of the hooded siskin but it usually occurs at lower elevations. It feeds mainly on plant material, such as seeds, leaves and buds, but also on insects, foraging among tall grasses and plants and on the ground. It breeds between January and May but little is known of its nesting habits.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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