The Gran Canaria blue chaffinch is a species of passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It is endemic to Gran Canaria in Spain's Canary Islands.
Region
Canary Islands (Gran Canaria), Macaronesia
Typical Environment
This species is restricted to mature Canary Island pine forests on Gran Canaria, historically centered in the Inagua–Ojeda–Pajonales massif. Conservation actions have expanded its presence to additional highland pine areas on the island. It favors structurally complex stands with abundant cones, scattered clearings, and nearby water sources. Outside the breeding season, it ranges more widely through suitable pine habitats but remains within the island’s mountainous interior.
Altitude Range
800–1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Gran Canaria blue chaffinch is one of Europe’s rarest passerines and is confined to the pine forests of Gran Canaria. It relies heavily on seeds of the endemic Canary Island pine and takes more insects during the breeding season. Long considered a subspecies of the Tenerife blue chaffinch, it is now recognized as a distinct species. Intensive conservation and reintroduction efforts have helped its small population increase in recent years.
Female
Temperament
shy and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating finch-like flight
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forms small groups or mixes loosely with other finches in pine woods. During breeding, pairs are territorial and nest in pine trees, where the female builds a neat cup nest. Clutches are small, typically 2–3 eggs, and both parents feed the young. Family parties may remain together for a time after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The male’s song is a soft, rich warble with trills and varied phrases, quieter and less explosive than that of the common chaffinch. Calls include a metallic ‘pink’ and soft contact notes used within pairs and small groups.
Plumage
Males are largely slate-blue with darker wings and tail and subtle pale wing bars; females are brownish-grey with a plainer, lightly streaked look. Both sexes have a stout, conical bill and relatively long wings for a finch.
Diet
It feeds primarily on seeds, especially those from Canary Island pine cones, which it extracts with its robust bill. It also takes seeds of shrubs and herbs and supplements its diet with insects and other small invertebrates, particularly in spring and when feeding nestlings. Buds and occasional berries may be taken opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Foraging occurs in mature pine canopy, among cones on branches or on the forest floor where fallen cones and seeds accumulate. It also uses forest edges, clearings, and open patches within pine stands that provide seed-rich ground and insect activity.
