The yellow-faced siskin is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is found in Brazil and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist mountains, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, arable land, plantations, and urban areas.
Region
Northern South America
Typical Environment
Found in northeastern Brazil and northern Venezuela, primarily in fragmented Atlantic Forest edges, dry shrublands, and secondary growth. It frequents plantations, arable land, and urban parks where seed-bearing plants are abundant. The species also uses foothill and lower montane habitats with scattered trees and shrub cover. It tolerates disturbed environments but relies on nearby natural vegetation for nesting and cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This vivid finch is prized in the cage-bird trade, which has contributed to population declines alongside habitat loss. It occurs in disjunct populations in northeastern Brazil and northern Venezuela. The species name honors the English naturalist William Yarrell. Outside the breeding season it often forms small, noisy flocks and readily visits weedy fields and gardens.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating flight
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it gathers in small to medium flocks and may join mixed finch groups at abundant food sources. Pairs form during the breeding season; the nest is a small cup placed in shrubs or trees. Clutches are typically 3–4 eggs, and both parents feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A lively, high-pitched series of twitters, trills, and buzzy notes typical of siskins. Males sing from perches in open trees and also give flight calls while moving between feeding sites.
Plumage
Males show bright yellow face and underparts with olive-green back and blackish wings marked by bold yellow patches; tail is slightly forked with yellow edges. Females are duller, with more olive and gray-yellow tones and less contrast in the wings. Both sexes have fine, neat plumage typical of siskins.
Diet
Primarily consumes seeds from grasses and composites, as well as buds and small fruits. It also takes small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season to feed nestlings. Forages by picking seeds from seedheads and gleaning in foliage.
Preferred Environment
Often feeds in weedy fields, plantation edges, gardens, and along forest borders. Will forage both in the canopy of small trees and in low shrubs or on the ground where seeds accumulate.
