The Azores chaffinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae, closely related to the Eurasian chaffinch F. coelebs, and formerly treated as a subspecies of it. Genetic, morphological, and vocal differences from it have resulted in it being elevated to species level in 2021. It is endemic to the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores, part of Macaronesia in the warm temperate northern Atlantic Ocean. It is locally known as the tentilhão or sachão.
Region
Macaronesia (Azores)
Typical Environment
Occurs across the main islands of the Azores, occupying native laurel forest remnants, mixed woodlands, conifer and eucalyptus plantations, hedgerows, and urban parks and gardens. It favors areas with a developed shrub layer and ample ground leaf litter for foraging. Edges, clearings, and forest tracks are frequently used feeding sites. The species adapts well to human-modified landscapes provided trees and cover are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Azores chaffinch was elevated to full species in 2021 after genetic, morphological, and vocal studies showed clear differences from the Eurasian chaffinch. It is confined to Portugal’s Azores archipelago, where it is common in forests, parks, and gardens. Island populations show subtle variation in plumage tones and song dialects.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forms loose flocks, often mixed with other small passerines. In the breeding season pairs defend small territories and build neat cup nests high in trees, camouflaged with lichens and moss. Clutches typically contain 3–5 eggs, and adults feed nestlings mainly invertebrates.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A lively, accelerating series of trills and phrases ending in a flourish, reminiscent of Eurasian chaffinch but with island-specific dialects. Calls include sharp pink or fink notes and softer contact chips.
Plumage
Compact finch with crisp double wingbars and white outer tail edges; males show a bluish-grey head with olive-tinged mantle and warm pinkish underparts, females are duller brown-olive with paler underparts. Overall tones are slightly greener and less contrasting than typical Eurasian chaffinch. Plumage appears clean and well-defined with broad wingbars.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of seeds, buds, and small invertebrates. During the breeding season it takes many caterpillars, spiders, and other arthropods to provision young. Outside breeding, weed seeds and tree mast form a large part of the diet. It will also glean insects from foliage and pick items from the ground.
Preferred Environment
Forages on forest floors, along paths and clearings, and in hedgerows and gardens with scattered trees. Frequently feeds in mixed woodland edges and plantations where seed and insect availability is high.
