{"id":3707,"date":"2026-10-30T11:00:59","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T11:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/guiailhadamadeira.com\/madeiras-endemic-birds-how-many-are-there-and-where-can-you-see-them\/"},"modified":"2026-10-30T11:00:59","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T11:00:59","slug":"madeiras-endemic-birds-how-many-are-there-and-where-can-you-see-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/guiailhadamadeira.com\/es\/madeiras-endemic-birds-how-many-are-there-and-where-can-you-see-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Madeira\u2019s Endemic Birds: How Many Are There and Where Can You See Them?"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are 23 endemic bird taxa in Madeira\u2019s regional avifauna, but only five are currently treated as bird species endemic to the Madeira archipelago\u2014and most visitors can realistically look for three on the main island.<\/strong> In this updated guide, you will learn the difference between true Madeira endemics, endemic subspecies and wider Macaronesian birds. We also explain where casual birdwatchers should go, what can be seen without a specialist expedition, and how to watch birds respectfully in Madeira\u2019s protected landscapes.<\/p>\n

The short answer: how many endemic birds are there in Madeira?<\/h2>\n

The most useful answer is 23 endemic taxa<\/strong>. Madeira\u2019s nature authority, the IFCN, groups these into 10 taxa endemic to the Madeira archipelago and 13 endemic to Macaronesia, the wider Atlantic island region that includes Madeira, the Azores, the Canaries and Cape Verde. This total includes both full species and distinctive subspecies, so it should not be read as 23 completely separate bird species.<\/p>\n

On the current IFCN list, five species are endemic to the Madeira archipelago: the Desertas petrel (Pterodroma deserta<\/em>), Zino\u2019s petrel or Madeira petrel (Pterodroma madeira<\/em>), Madeira chaffinch (Fringilla maderensis<\/em>), trocaz pigeon (Columba trocaz<\/em>) and Madeira firecrest (Regulus madeirensis<\/em>). Some older field guides and official visitor material still treat the chaffinch as the endemic subspecies Fringilla coelebs madeirensis<\/em>, which explains why published totals occasionally differ.<\/p>\n

For a visitor walking in the forest, the key names are much simpler: trocaz pigeon, Madeira firecrest and Madeira chaffinch<\/strong>. The two petrels are genuine Madeira endemics too, but they are rare, highly protected seabirds and are not birds to seek out independently.<\/p>\n

The endemic birds that are easiest to see<\/h2>\n

El trocaz pigeon<\/strong> is Madeira\u2019s most distinctive large endemic land bird. It is a dark grey pigeon with a pale tail band, usually heard or glimpsed in the canopy before it gives a clear view. It is closely tied to the Laurissilva, especially stands of til trees, and also uses neighbouring exotic woodland. The species is found only on Madeira Island, with its key population estimated at more than 12,000 birds.<\/p>\n

The tiny Madeira firecrest<\/strong>, locally called bis-bis<\/em>, is often the most memorable sighting. Listen for high, lively calls in mossy woodland, then watch for an exceptionally active small bird moving through branches. Its orange crown can be difficult to catch in poor light, but its constant movement and compact shape make it more approachable than its size suggests.<\/p>\n

El Madeira chaffinch<\/strong> is also a realistic bird for non-specialists, particularly around forest edges, picnic areas and trailheads. Males are more colourful, with a blue-grey head and warm pinkish breast; females are quieter brown. Although the exact taxonomic rank remains inconsistent between sources, it is an important Madeiran endemic form and a rewarding species to note.<\/p>\n

In exposed coastal or upland ground, look out for the Madeira form of Berthelot\u2019s pipit<\/strong>, known locally as corre-caminhos<\/em>. It is an archipelago-endemic subspecies rather than a species found only here. It runs on open paths and sparse ground, which makes it one of the easiest endemic forms to observe without binoculars.<\/p>\n

Best places to see Madeira\u2019s birds without a specialist tour<\/h2>\n

Queimadas Forest Park, above Santana,<\/strong> is one of the best all-round starting points. The forest park combines accessible paths with Laurissilva habitat, and the official tourism board specifically notes Madeira firecrest, trocaz pigeon, buzzard, grey wagtail and chaffinch here. Arrive early, before walkers and changing mountain weather make the forest noisier.<\/p>\n

Ribeiro Frio and Balc\u00f5es<\/strong> are another easy choice for forest birds. The area is particularly good for chaffinches, while the levada-side vegetation can produce firecrests and grey wagtails. For a quieter Laurissilva experience, the path towards the Faj\u00e3 da Nogueira hydroelectric station is identified by the IFCN as a useful place for firecrest. You can combine this area with our guide to the Levada da Faj\u00e3 da Nogueira<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ch\u00e3o da Ribeira and the Seixal valley<\/strong> are excellent for trocaz pigeon, particularly where mature native woodland meets open clearings. Move slowly and scan fruiting trees rather than expecting birds to sit in the open. The IFCN\u2019s nature-watching guidance highlights both places as trocaz pigeon hotspots.<\/p>\n

Punta de S\u00e3o Louren\u00e7o<\/strong> offers a completely different birdwatching setting: dry, open, windy cliffs and low vegetation. It is a good place to watch Berthelot\u2019s pipit on the ground, as well as Macaronesian specialities such as Atlantic canary and plain swift overhead. The eastern mountain massif, Laurissilva and Ponta de S\u00e3o Louren\u00e7o are all designated Special Protection Areas for birds.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Birdwatching area<\/th>\nBest birds to look for<\/th>\nWhat to expect<\/th>\nAccess notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Queimadas Forest Park, Santana<\/td>\nMadeira firecrest, trocaz pigeon, chaffinch<\/td>\nNative woodland, short walks and shaded forest<\/td>\nBest reached by car or taxi from Santana; arrive early<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ribeiro Frio and Balc\u00f5es<\/td>\nChaffinch, firecrest, grey wagtail<\/td>\nForest-edge birding beside levadas<\/td>\nSuitable for a gentle half-day stop<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ch\u00e3o da Ribeira and Seixal<\/td>\nTrocaz pigeon<\/td>\nLaurissilva valleys and mature trees<\/td>\nUse quiet tracks and scan the canopy patiently<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Punta de S\u00e3o Louren\u00e7o<\/td>\nBerthelot\u2019s pipit, Atlantic canary, plain swift<\/td>\nOpen coastal headland with little shade<\/td>\nTake water and wind protection; stay on the marked path<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pico do Areeiro area<\/td>\nHighland birds; Zino\u2019s petrel only with authorised arrangements<\/td>\nHigh-altitude terrain and rapidly changing conditions<\/td>\nDo not enter nesting areas or attempt nocturnal searches independently<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

Why the rare petrels are different<\/h2>\n

Zino\u2019s petrel is among Madeira\u2019s most important endemic birds, but it is not a casual daytime sighting from Pico do Areeiro. It returns to breeding areas after sunset, and the IFCN states that visits to its nesting areas require authorisation. The birds are silent when leaving before dawn, while organised, authorised night visits may allow visitors to hear their calls without disturbing the colony.<\/p>\n

The Desertas petrel is even less accessible: it breeds exclusively on Bugio, in the Desertas Islands Nature Reserve, and returns to the nest at night. A boat trip around Madeira\u2019s coast may reveal seabirds, but it is not a reliable way to see either petrel. Treat both as conservation successes and sensitive wildlife, not checklist targets.<\/p>\n

Simple birdwatching etiquette in Madeira<\/h2>\n