MADEIRA CHAFFINCH

Order: Passeriformes
Family: Fringillidae
Genus: Fringilla
Species: coelebs
Sub-species: madeirensis

Description
The Chaffinch found in Madeira is an endemic subspecies.
There are marked differences between the sexes, with the male being more brightly coloured than the female which is rather subdued in colour. Both have white wing bars and white tail-sides, but the male is easily identified by its rosy breast, bluish crown and greenish-brown back. The female has a cream chest and brownish back.

Distribution
The Chaffinch is only found on the island of Madeira, at rather high elevations, being absent from the other islands in the archipelago.

Habitat
This species is found mainly in wooded zones, both indigenous and introduced forests, and is one of the most numerous species in the “Laurissilva” (the original forest of Madeira) and in heather grove areas. It is also found in cultivated areas, near rural housing and in areas with bushes and shrubs.

Breeding
The nest is cup shaped with an inner layer of feathers and is built by the female who looks after the incubation of the four to five eggs on her own. The eggs hatch in 12 to 15 days. The male bird helps to feed the chicks. The nesting season is from April to July and only one set of eggs is laid.

Curiosities
There are five endemic subspecies of Chaffinch in Macaronésia: one in Madeira (F.c.madeirensis), one in the Azores (F.c.morelettis) and three on the Canaries archipelago. In the Canaries there is also an endemic species, F.teydea.

Madeiran name: Tentilhão
Madeira Island resident breeder
Social: Flocks
Length: 14,5 – 16 cm
Status: Secure

Recommend Tours to watch this species:
Madeira half-day nature tour
Madeira nature fauna & flora tour