Fringilla maderensis
The Madeira Chaffinch, Fringilla maderensis, is a striking and endemic passerine found solely on the Portuguese island of Madeira. Males are particularly vibrant, sporting a characteristic blue-grey crown and nape, a rich rosy-pink breast and flanks, an olive-green mantle, and a prominent double white wing-bar. Females are a more subdued buff-brown, though they still exhibit the distinctive white wing-bars. Measuring approximately 14.5-16 cm in length with a wingspan of 24-28 cm and weighing ...
Primarily inhabits indigenous laurel forests (Laurisilva), coniferous plantations, eucalyptus groves, and also frequently found in gardens and agricultural areas from coastal lowlands up to montane regions.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on a variety of seeds from both native and introduced plants, supplemented with buds, fruits, and insects, especially caterpillars and aphids during the breeding season.
Madeira Chaffinches are diurnal, active throughout the day foraging for food, often seen hopping on the ground or gleaning from tree branches. Males establish territories with robust, repetitive songs during the breeding season, which typically occurs from March to July. Courtship involves chases...
The Madeira Chaffinch is entirely restricted to the archipelago of Madeira, a Portuguese autonomous region in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is a resident species, present year-round across the main island of Madeira. Its distribution spans from coastal areas with suitable vegetation up to the high...
Least Concern
- The Madeira Chaffinch is an endemic bird, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world except the island of Madeira. - Its song, while clearly a chaffinch, has distinctive variations that allow experienced birders to differentiate it from its mainland Common Chaffinch relatives. - Despite bein...