Terceira is best known for being a hotspot for vagrants, especially in and around Praia da Vitória. Some of the regular ones are Nearctic ducks (like American Wigeon, Blue-winged Teal and Ring-necked Duck), and waders (like White-rumped Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Semipalmed Plover, Spotted Sandpiper or Lesser Yellowlegs). The best place to look for vagrant waterbirds is Cabo da Praia. Vagrant gull species are also a highlight in Praia da Vitoria harbour, where species like Mediterranean Gull, Laughing Gull and Glaucous Gull have been sighted. The list of rare vagrants recorded in the island is huge and includes, just to name some of them, Bufflehead, Double-crested Cormorant; Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Glossy Ibis, American Bittern, Wilson’s Phalarope, Red-footed Falcon or Belted Kingfisher. The resident birds present are like 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. Common and Roseate Terns and Cory’s Shearwater are some of the most common breeding seabirds. Some of the best birding spots are included in Terceira island Natural Park. Municipalities: Angra do Heroísmo, Praia da Vitória |
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Hotspots
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