Faial is one of the Azores islands least explored by birdwatchers, nevertheless a visit can produce interesting sightings. The resident birds present are the same as most of the other Azorean islands, with Common Buzzard, Wood Pigeon, Grey Wagtail, Blackbird, Blackcap, European Robin, Goldcrest, Common Starling, Chaffinch and Island Canary being the main species. Most of these are subspecies endemic to the archipelago. Cory’s Shearwater is the most common breeding seabird. Capelinhos area can be a good bet for detecting this seabird, as well as the short ferry trip to Pico island. Caldeira can be a place to visit, for a good deal of vagrants have been sighted here. Porto Pim Bay and Horta harbour are good places to look for waders and gulls, while Pedro Miguel ponds are the most suitable place for other waterbirds. Some of the best birding spots are included in Faial island Natural Park. |
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Hotspots
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