Azores Chaffinch
Fringilla moreletti
Dapper little finch endemic to the Azores, where it inhabits a range of habitats, from forests to farmlands. Handsome, brightly colored male has a blue-grayish cowl, pale orangish face and breast, and a black-and-white wing pattern (colors muted in winter). Female much drabber but shares male pattern; especially note the complex wing pattern. Both sexes have white outer tail feathers, often striking in flight such as when flushed. Song is a distinctive burbling, descending trill; calls include a squeaky “bi’dee” and lower yapping notes.
Identification
The head and part of the dorsum are bluish gray, with the rest of the dorsal area being greenish; the wings and tail are black and white; the throat and chest are pink. The bill is lead-colored. The paws are pinkish brown. The plumage of the females is more discreet, dominating the brown tones.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Fringilla moreletti
- Authority
- Pucheran, 1859
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Fringillidae
- Genus
- Fringilla
Range and habitat
The Azores chaffinch inhabits all of the Azorean Islands and is one the most common birds in the archipelago, It can be seen from sea-level to the mountainous interior, including the highest areas of Pico.
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Amaurornis moluccana
Very secretive medium-sized rail that inhabits dense vegetation around wetland habitats in northern and northeastern Australia. Rarely seen away from cover. Dull gray-blue body, brown wings and tail, with reddish-brown undertail, yellow-green bill with small shield, and long yellow legs. Gives a variety of calls, usually a loud, repeated, squawky "wark-wark-wark" or an agitated "wark-woop, wark-woop, wark-woop."
Black-capped Bulbul
Rubigula melanictera
Medium-sized greenish bird with a bright yellow underside and black head. Occurs in a variety of habitats, wherever there are trees, including forest, open woodlands, and gardens, in the lowlands and foothills. Usually encountered in pairs or small groups. Yellow throat and lack of black in the wing separates this species from Black-hooded Oriole. Unmarked, black head identifies Black-capped Bulbul from Yellow-eared and Yellow-browed Bulbuls. Song is series of warbling whistles, rising at the end, “wet-wet-wet-wer-wer-wer-weer.” Also gives churring calls.
White-bearded Manakin
Manacus manacus
Fairly common and widespread through much of South America. Males are distinctive with white throat, sharply defined black cap, black back and wings, and grayish belly. Legs bright orange-red. Females are duller olive with paler belly. Note red legs to help separate from other female manakins. Like most manakins, quite plump with a rather short tail and bill. Males gather at display sites in the understory of forest, where they make loud snapping noises with their wings. Also listen for a descending “peew” call. Away from display sites, rather inconspicuous and usually encountered singly, often around a fruiting tree.
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