Birding in May in Madeira, 2026

May is the month of uncertainties, like its name suggests - it may rain, it may be sunny, it may be cold or it may be hot... we just never know! It is similar with the birds, although it is migration time we may get some raritites or we may not!

14th of May 2026 at Parque Santa Catarina in Funchal - observed by Donato (POR)
8 Yellow-crowned Bishop Euplectes afer

At São Vicente - observed by Michel (NED)
Eurasian Teal Anas crecca
Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus

13th of May 2026 at Caniçal
2 Sand Martin Riparia riparia

At Machico
Little Egret Egretta garzetta

12th of May 2026 at Funchal promenade
European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur - photographed by Amanda

7th of May 2026 at Caniçal
2 Barn swallow Hirundo rustica
2 Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres

4th of May 2026 off Machico, in a Bird, dolphin & whale watching trip
Sooty shearwater Puffinus griseus / Ardena griseus
Bulwer's Petrel Bulweria bulwerii have returned from their winter migration!

2nd of May 2026 at Caniçal
Common Swift Apus apus