Oceanic Birds

The oceanic birds, as opposed to coastal birds, are marine birds that only come to land in order to nest, spending all the internuptial period in the high-seas.

Two of the most threatened oceanic species in the world nest in the Madeira Archipelago: the Zinos Petrel (Pterodroma madeira) and the Feas's Petrel (Pterodroma feae). As their actual names indicate, the first mentioned species nests in the Madeira Island and the second one in Bugio (Desertas Islands). These species are legally protected by Annex I of the Birds Directive and by Annex II of the Berne Convention. Furthermore, 100% of its known nesting areas is classified as special protection zones and communitarian places of interest, as part of the Rede Natura 2000.

Terrestrial Birds

Birds are vertebrate, biped and hot-blooded animals. Its habitats are very diversified, from high mountains and forests to agricultural and urban areas. Its diet varies depending on the species and habitat; they may be carnivorous (e.g.: birds of prey) or, may simply feed on the flowers nectar, seeds or fruits.

The Trocaz Pigeon (Columba trocaz) is the most emblematic terrestrial bird of Madeira Laurissilva, constituting one of the most ancient examples of Macronesian avifauna. This bird inhabits preferentially cliffy and profound valleys below 900 meters. Legally, it is protected by Annex I of the Directive of Birds and by Annex III of the Berne Convention.

Another two birds that inhabit the Laurissilva (although not exclusively) are the Madeira Firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus madeirensis) and the Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs madeirensis). These are endemic subspecies of the Madeira Island, the first one being the smallest bird of Madeira avifauna. It is also possible to observe with some frequency the Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea schmitzi) and two birds of prey, the Buzzard (Buteo buteo harteti) and the Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus canariensis).