African crimson-winged finch brown breast and flank markings on Asian birds are more extensive than on African birds; and African birds have less black on the crown than Asian birds (on males it often tends to be restricted to the forecrown). Male birds also differ compared to the Asian birds in that they lack the extensive pink in their uppertail-coverts, no black spots on their breast-sides; less distinct black markings on the mantle and ear-coverts and almost no red on the face. African crimson-winged finch The African crimson-winged finch ("Rhodopechys alienus"), is a pale-colored thickset finch with a heavy, dull yellowish bill. It
Saffron finch in the Emberizidae but it is close to the seedeaters. The male is bright yellow with an orange crown which distinguishes it from most other yellow finches (the exception being the orange-fronted yellow finch). The females are more confusing and are usually just a slightly duller version of the male, but in the southern subspecies "S. f. pelzelni" they are olive-brown with heavy dark streaks. Typically nesting in cavities, the saffron finch makes use of sites such as abandoned rufous hornero ("Furnarius rufus") nests, bamboo branches and under house roofs - this species is tolerant of human proximity, appearing at