Corvo island is the smallest (17 km2) and more remote island of the Azores, and one of the most isolated places in Europe. The island has only 430 inhabitants in one single settlement. This is the island of the Azores with the least number of resident species, these being mostly passerines. Species like Common Buzzard, Goldcrest or European Robin are absent. Regarding seabirds, Cory’s Shearwater is very abundant, and other breeding seabirds include Litlle Shearwater, Manx Shearwater, Common Tern and Roseate Tern. Some of the best birding spots are included in Corvo island Natural Park. Corvo is however the island of the American vagrants. Due to its proximity to the American continent, very small size and absence of dense arboreal vegetation, the island has become a very well known destination for Western Palearctic birders, because of the possibility (and ease) of finding Nearctic vagrants, rather impossible elsewhere in European territory. Corvo is accessible by plane, or by ferry from Flores island. However, in the Autumn the island is frequently fustigated by violent storms, which can make visitation difficult. There are very few places to eat and sleep over in Corvo, so it is advisable to book and plan your trip in advance, and with some margin. Some of the rarities spotted in the island in the last few years include, just to name a few: Double-crested Cormorant, Killdeer, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Cedar Waxwing, Hermit Thrush, White-eyed Vireo, Black-and-white Warbler, Northern Parula, Northern Waterthrush, White-crowned Sparrow and Indigo Bunting. Municipalities: Vila do Corvo IBA: learn more |
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Hotspots
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