Tenerife Blue Chaffinch

The Tenerife blue chaffinch, a passerine bird belonging to the finch family Fringillidae, is a species that calls the island of Tenerife its home. This bird, with its striking blue plumage in males, serves as the natural emblem of Tenerife, sharing this honor with the Canary Islands dragon tree.

Identification Tips

The male Tenerife blue chaffinch is a sight to behold with its predominantly blue feathers and a contrasting grey bill. Larger than the common chaffinch, it also sports a more robust bill and lacks the dark cap seen in its relatives. The female, while more subdued in color, is a dull grey-brown and can be recognized by her less pronounced wing bars.

Habitat

The preferred habitat of this bird is the mountainous Canary Island pine forests, thriving in areas with dense undergrowth. It also inhabits laurel and pine woodlands, as well as tree-heath and scrublands.

Distribution

This bird is endemic to Tenerife and is found exclusively in the highlands of the island.

Behaviour

The Tenerife blue chaffinch is known for its song, which is shorter and less robust than that of the common chaffinch, and a flight call that is distinctly croakier. It is not a migratory species, and outside of the breeding season, it may form small flocks, occasionally mingling with common chaffinches and other finches.

Song & calls

The song of the Tenerife blue chaffinch is notably shorter and weaker compared to its common cousin, and its flight call has a croakier tone.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from late April to early August. The Tenerife blue chaffinch constructs its nest from pine needles and broom branches, laying a clutch of two eggs.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of this bird is primarily composed of Canary Island pine seeds. During the breeding season, its young are fed a significant amount of insects, a trait it shares with the common chaffinch but is less common among other finches.

Conservation status

The Tenerife blue chaffinch is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it faces threats that could lead to its vulnerability in the near future.