This small endemic bird of São Miguel lives exclusively in the eastern part of the island and quickly became emblematic of the Nordeste and Povoação districts. This fascinating species is a huge attraction for thousands of tourists every year and is under threat of extinction.
Description
The Priolo is a small bird, averaging 15 to 17 cm in length, and weighing approximately 30 grams. Its distinct characteristics help to an easy identification of this species. Males and females are identical, both have black tails and wings with a gray bar in the middle. Juveniles have a brownish head contrasting with the adults, which have the same color as the tail and wings.
Their call is extremely distinctive and unmistakable, described as a short, fluted, melancholic whistle.
Behavior
The feeding of the Priolo consists of flower buds, seeds and spores of ferns of various species. Its diet is then based on various species of flora endemic to the Laurissilva forest of the Azores. The Priolo breeds between the months of June and the end of August.
History
Although the Priolo is currently threatened by extinction, during the 19th century it was considered a plague, due to the fact that it fed on orange blossoms, which at the time were of enormous economic importance. Given this, the Priolo was hunted during this period, as well as during the 20th century. Unfortunately, human persecution was not the only threat to the Priolo, as there is still a continuous degradation of its natural habitat due to the presence and increasing advance of several invasive exotic species.
Conservation Status
Its current population is estimated to consist of 500 to 800 pairs, and it continues to be classified as an endangered species.
Despite this classification, its numbers have been increasing. This is due to several initiatives to protect the Priolo. This species is under the protection of the European Birds Directive and the Special Protection Area Pico da Vara/ Ribeira do Guilherme, which includes all the Priolo’s habitat area. The Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds launched in 2003 the first conservation project for the preservation of Priolo. Nowadays it continues to promote its conservation through public education and awareness.
Where to find and observe
It is possible to spot and watch the Priolo easily in the municipalities of Nordeste and Povoação, at the Salto do Cavalo viewpoint, Tronqueira viewpoint, Serra da Tronqueira, Pico Bartolomeu and Furnas. There are also several trails that you can follow where you can see this small bird.
