Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola) [XC394279]
by Fernando Igor de Godoy from UCDB campus, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil (call)
Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola) [XC723341]
by JAYRSON ARAUJO DE OLIVEIRA from Tulu\u00e1, Tulu\u00e1, Valle del Cauca, Colombia (song)
Subspecies
Molecular-genetic data suggest that genus is most closely related to the "hooded" group of sierra-finches (Black-hooded Sierra-Finch (Phrygilus atriceps), Peruvian Sierra-Finch (Phrygilus punensis), Grey-hooded Sierra-Finch (Phrygilus gayi) and Patagonian Sierra-Finch (Phrygilus patagonicus)). Also, that it belongs within the tanager family (Thraupidae). Subspecies form two groups, "flaveola group" (nominate and valida) and "pelzelni group" (pelzelni, brasiliensis and koenigi), these differing dramatically in female and immature plumages and, to lesser extent, in male plumage. Also, the latter group exhibits strong sexual dimorphism, while "flaveola group" does not. These groups may warrant treatment as two separate species. Further research is required. Disjunct trans-Andean valida possibly also a distinct species, meriting detailed assessment. Birds of higher areas of southern Bolivia currently included in subspecies pelzelni, but may belong in koenigi.
Proposed taxon Sicalis striata (described from Buenos Aires, in Argentina) invalid, based on a specimen regarded as a breeding male of subspecies pelzelni in immature plumage.
The following 5 subspecies are recognised:
flaveola (Linnaeus, 1766) - Northern and eastern Colombia (south to Meta), Venezuela south to R Orinoco (also north-western Amazonas), coasts of the Guianas, and Trinidad.
valida Bangs & Penard, TE, 1921 - Coastal slope in Ecuador (Guayaquil) south to north-western Peru (Ancash).
brasiliensis (Gmelin, JF, 1789) - Eastern Brazil from Maranhío, Minas Gerais and Sío Paulo east to Atlantic coast.
pelzelni Sclater, PL, 1872 - Bolivia east of Andes (southern from southern Beni), south-eastern Brazil (southern from Mato Grosso and Santa Catarina), Paraguay, eastern Argentina (south to eastern Mendoza, La Pampa and Buenos Aires) and Uruguay; recently also in Chile (Los Ríos and Los Lagos; possibly introduced).
koenigi Hoy, G, 1978 - North-western Argentina (Salta and Jujuy).