The Saffron Finch is pretty conspicuous, since it has a bright yellow coloration and forages on the ground in groups of three or more, making them easy to spot against the green grass. The adult has an orange patch on the front of the head. The juvenile is streaked on the back and wings, and have a lighter yellow coloration on the belly. They are often kept caged by people, and when free they frequent suburban areas and are very tolerant of human presence.

It is common to see this tanager species foraging in groups on the ground, both in Manizales and in Cali.

One of its distinctive traits is its mostly uniform yellow body, with a small orange spot on the front of the head.

The juvenile bird has a duller coloration in the front, and a streaked back withi higher contrast.