Azores islands are well known as an excellent destination for birdwatching. Here, you can find two of Europe’s rarest birds: The Azores Bullfinch, Pyrrhula murina, endemic to a small area of São Miguel Island and the Mosteiro’s storm-petrel, Oceanodroma monteiroi, breeding on the two islets south of Graciosa Island.

Other species well deserving a trip are the Atlantic Canary, Serinus canaria, an exclusive species from Macaronesia, as well as several subspecies such as the Common Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs moreletti, the São Miguel Goldcrest, Regulus regulus azoricus, the Azores Woodpigeon, Columba palumbus azorica, and the Buzzard, Buteo buteo rothschildi.

Currently, the Azores also hold the largest colony of Cory’s Shearwater, Calonectris diomedia borealis, and one of the largest colonies of Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii, worldwide. Altogether, the archipelago has over 30 bird species which nest, and also, due to the islands central position in the Atlantic Ocean you may also observe a large number of migratory birds coming from America and Eurasia.

The number of species seen in the islands is close to 400, including a few which are extremely rare and even some which have been newly sighted in the Western Paleartic.

Gerbybirding is the first company is the Azores specialized in birdwatching. We are a small company, offering a personalized service to small groups, and we are as comfortable working with a curious observer as well as accompanying experienced ornithologists. Your personal “birdguide” will be Gerbrand Michielsen, better known as Gerby, which will take you to the best spots in São Miguel island, by car, on foot or by kayak – an unforgettable experience!

Daily tours from 9.00h to 17.00h.   Pick up on hotel.