The orange-fronted yellow finch is a species of South American bird in the family Thraupidae. It has a highly disjunct distribution with S. c. columbiana found in Colombia and Venezuela, S. c. goeldii along the Amazon River in Brazil, and S. c. goeldii in east-central Brazil. It is found in semi-open areas, typically near water and sometimes near humans. The male closely resembles the saffron finch, but it is smaller, has a more contrasting orange front, and dusky lores. The female is overall olive-gray with whitish underparts, and yellow to the wings and tail.
Region
Northern South America and the Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in disjunct populations: northern Colombia and Venezuela, along sections of the Amazon River in Brazil, and in east-central Brazil. Prefers semi-open habitats near water such as river islands, riparian scrub, gallery forest edges, and seasonally flooded grasslands. Frequently uses human-altered areas including agricultural margins, pastures, and towns, especially where scattered shrubs and trees are present. Often found in lowlands, rarely venturing into dense interior forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small tanager (family Thraupidae) has a strikingly disjunct range, with separate populations in northern South America and parts of the Amazon and east-central Brazil. Males can be confused with the saffron finch but are smaller and show a more contrasting orange forecrown with dusky lores. It readily uses semi-open, human-modified areas near water and may occur around towns and riverside settlements. Females are much duller and more olive-gray, aiding camouflage in grassy and shrubby habitats.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating hops between perches
Social Behavior
Often seen in small groups or loose flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes associating with other seedeaters. Pairs form during breeding, with males singing from exposed perches. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed in cavities, banks, or human structures, lined with fine grasses. Both sexes may participate in nest defense near watercourses.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a bright, rapid series of tweets and trills delivered from an open perch. Calls include thin, high-pitched chips used to maintain contact within flocks.
Plumage
Male bright yellow with a distinct orange forecrown/front, dusky lores, and olive-toned wings and tail with yellow edging; underparts largely clean yellow. Female olive-gray above with whitish to pale yellow underparts and yellow suffusion to wings and tail; overall plainer and duller than the male. Plumage lacks heavy streaking, giving a clean, smooth appearance.
Diet
Primarily consumes grass and weed seeds, gleaned from the ground and low vegetation. Supplements diet with small insects and other arthropods, especially during the breeding season. Will visit agricultural edges and fallow fields to exploit seed-rich patches. Forages methodically, often in small groups that move through open areas.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open grassy places, river islands, and edges of riparian scrub. Frequently forages along paths, pastures, and human-altered habitats near water, including riverbanks and reservoirs.
