[2] The saffron siskin is endemic to southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru.

It is an uncommon bird found near the edges of dry woodland and in adjoining scrubland at altitudes below about 600 m (2,000 ft).

The total population is estimated to be under 10,000 individuals and is probably in decline because of the conversion of forest for agricultural uses.

Despite the bird occurring in the Machalilla National Park and five other protected areas in Ecuador, the International Union for Conservation of Nature assesses it as being a "least concern species".

The high rate of deforestation in the country adds to the likeliness of the threat that it faces.