Characterization: Small species measuring about 13.5cm in length. The male is bright yellow, with an orange spot on the forehead; the female is a paler yellow, with a less orange hue on its head.

Distribution: Brazil, from Maranhão to southern Rio Grande do Sul and Mato Grosso to the west (Cuiabá, Pantanal), also on the islands of the coast of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Habitat: Dry and dirty fields, crop fields, and in scrublands.

Habits: A diurnal species, it is seen periodically in flocks of dozens of individuals, with a predominance of immature individuals, and, thus, may cause damage to rice patties.

Diet: This species is herbivorous, essentially a granivore, feeding on seeds.

Breeding: It lays its eggs in covered, basket-shaped nests, in places ranging from an ox skull to perforated bamboo. It will often use nests abandoned by other birds, especially the rufous hornero.

In the UFRA area: This bird's spatial distribution was restricted to the restored native forests, the only habitat where it was found. It is a rare species at these farms, as it was only seen only once.