Birdwatching Half Day Trip Local Avifauna

This tour starts given you a chance to do a short walk of about 30 min, in an easy and nice Levada, that will lead you to a perfect place to observe the bird species that live in the Laurel forest, such us Trocaz Pigeon (Columba trocaz) and Madeira Firecrest (Regulus madeirensis), the only endemic landbirds of Madeira archipelago. Once reaching the view point at 860 meters of altitude, you will also have a magnificent view to the central mountain massif and the island native forest.

  This tour is mainly dedicated to endemic bird species of Madeira and Macaronesia!

Madeiran Firecrest © René Pop

After spotting all the target species we will return and follow on with our trip visiting the coastline of the Island on a very distinct kind of habitat - Ponta of São Lourenço, a peninsula with particular climate conditions. 
This very dry peninsula has been shaped by wind and marine abrasion is part of the Natura 2000 network due to its great biodiversity.

At São Lourenço, you will be able to observe the Berthelots Pipit (Anthus berthelotti madeirensis) and perhaps the Rock Sparrow (Petronia petronia madeirensis), an endemic specie and subspecie of Macaronesia.

Trocaz Pigeon © Birds&Company

Besides the unique experience with the local species and depending on the season you are visiting Madeira Island, you will also have the opportunity to visit some of the spots where it's possible to watch some of the migratory species of the Island.

A good example of a good known place for birdwatching is the river mouth of Machico. Here it is possible to spot the Waxbills (Estrilda astrild), a bird specie introduced on the Island.

Balcões, Madeira Island © Roberto Moritz

INCLUDED IN THIS TOURBOOK NOW

• Naturalist guide, Telescope, Field guides, Personal insurance, Taxes, Pick up from Funchal and Caniço (Other locations available on advanced request).
• Recommendations: Appropriate shoes, warm/water proof jacket, hat, sunscreen.

  This tour can be organized and personalized according to the focus of a specific interest of the groups such as: specific species, distinc behaviours or ecology.

• Suggested Tours

Birding Full Day Trip

A full day visit through different Madeira habitats customized to the group interests

More information

Birding Exclusive Trip

A night tour to the breeding grounds of the most threatened seabird of Europe

More information

Birding Pelagic Trip

A boat trip in the southern side of Madeira Island targeted to pelagic seabirds 

More information