Madeiran Chaffinch

The Madeiran chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs maderensis) is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It is a subspecies of the common chaffinch that is endemic to the Portuguese island of Madeira, part of Macaronesia in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is locally known as the tentilhão.

Description

The male is more brightly coloured than the female. It has a pinkish breast, bluish-grey cap and greenish-brown back. The female's colouring is more subdued with a cream breast and brownish back, but both sexes have prominent white wing-bars and tail-sides. The length is 14.5–16 cm (5.7–6.3 in).

 

Breeding

The Madeiran chaffinch nests between April and July. The female builds a cup-shaped nest lined with feathers in which she lays a clutch of four or five eggs and which she alone incubates for 12–15 days before they hatch. The male helps to feed the chicks.

 

Behavior

A typical bird for picnic tables in forestry areas in Madeira where it is normally tame. Its flight is direct, quite quick and undulating. During the flight it momentarily glides with wings closed.

 

Habitat

This endemic subspecies of the European Chaffinch is only found in Madeira island, at rather high altitude, being absent from the other islands in the archipelago.
Madeiran Chaffinch is found mainly in woodlands, both indigenous and introduced forests. In the winter it is also found in cultivated areas, near rural housing.

Distinction from similar species

This passerine is very distinct from other with only the female Brambling having some similarity with the female Chaffinch though the first one has an all dark tail and less white on the wings.

Wingspan: 25 - 28 cm (Hume, 2002)

Total length: 14.5 cm (Beaman & Madge, 2011)

Weight: 19 - 23 g (Hume, 2002)

Seasonality in Madeira: All year

Diet: Takes seeds, shoots and berries from trees but also some caterpillar and other insects from foliage.

Curiosities
There are five endemic subspecies of Common Chaffinch in Macaronesia: one in Madeira Fringilla coelebs maderensis, one in the Azores Fringilla coelebs morelettis and three on the Canary Islands Fringilla coelebs canariensis, Fringilla coelebs palmae and Fringilla coelebs ombriosa. In the Canaries archipelago there is also an endemic species: Blue Chaffinch Fringilla teydea.

Status

Madeira local status by Romano et al, 2010: Very Common breeding bird
Madeira local status by Zino et al, 1995: Very Common breeding bird
Conservation status by the IUCN Red List Categories, 2013: Least Concern ver 3.1

Name of this species in other languages

Portuguese: Tentilhão
German: Buchfink-maderensis
Dutch: Vink
Swedish: Bofink
Danish: Bogfinke
Finish: Peippo
Norwegian: Bokfink
Spanish: Pinzón de Madera
French: Pinson des arbres de Madère
Italian: Fringuello comune
Polish: Zięba
Slovak: Pinka madeirská
Czech: Pěnkava obecná

Prince Albert II of Monaco

As a member of the royal family Prince Albert II of Monaco inevitably faces his fare share of stuffy engagements and formal meetings, but on September 5^th 2017 the prince found the opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled three-day visit to Madeira. During his stay he joined the President of Funchal  Miguel Albuquerque for a tour of the island, was treated to a cable-car ride as well as a trip on a traditional basket sledge. 

Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre Grimaldi, better known as Prince Albert II of Monaco, was born 14 March 1958. He is the reigning monarch of the Principality of Monaco and head of the princely house of Grimaldi. He is the son of Prince Rainier III and the American actress Grace Kelly. Prince Albert's sisters are Caroline, Princess of Hanover, and Princess Stéphanie. In July 2011, Prince Albert married Charlene Wittstock.

Prince Albert II is one of the wealthiest royals in the world, with assets valued at more than $1 billion, which include land in Monaco and France. While Prince Albert's real estate does not include the Prince's Palace of Monaco, it does include holdings in the Société des bains de mer de Monaco, which operates Monaco's casino and other entertainment properties in the principality.

Albert was born in the Prince's Palace of Monaco. His godmother was the Spanish queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain, and his godfather was Prince Louis of Polignac.

He graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. He speaks French, English, German, and Italian.

Albert has been a member of the International Olympic Committee since 1985 and holds a judo black belt. He is the Vice-Chairman of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, an American charity founded in 1982, after his mother's death, which supports emerging artists in theatre, dance and film, as Princess Grace did in her lifetime.

On 6 April 2005, Rainier III died and Albert succeeded him as Albert II.

In 2006, Prince Albert created the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which continues the Principality of Monaco's commitment by supporting sustainable and ethical projects around the world. The foundation focus on three main challenges: climate change and renewable energy development; combating the loss of biodiversity; and water management (improving universal access to clean water). Albert is also a global adviser to Orphans International

Madeira Aquarium

Diving in an aquarium is a special and exclusive activity practised in just a few places in the world. Madeira happens to be one of them!
What makes this activity so privileged is that, in order to enable this activity, aquariums must have special conditions particularly in terms of water filtration and water temperatures.
The Aquarium of Madeira also distinguishes itself by having the ocean on its doorstep, so the aquarium can be filled with salted sea water as well as the natural pools of Porto Moniz.
The Madeira Aquarium was opened in 2005, in Fort St. John the Baptist, in Porto Moniz.

The fort was built between 1730-1752 to protect the North Coast from the attacks of pirates. Over time, it deteriorated in ruins. In 1998, the works of restoration of the fort began.
Currently the Madeira Aquarium has 12 tanks with about 70 species and many of them are endemic.
The main objective is to recreate the characteristic habitats of Madeira (next to each tank there is a board with information about the resident species), protect marine species and raise awareness amongst locals and tourists.

The most impressive tank contains about 500,000 litres of salt water.

Madeira Piano Fest

The Association of the Friends of the Madeira Conservatory of Music present yet another unique musical festival: Madeira Piano Fest, an event to be held between November, 4th to 5th and 11th to 12th.

This year´s edition features ten pianists from eight different countries (Germany, Greece, France, Italy, Japan, Russia, Spain, and Portugal) performing various combinations: piano duet recitals and four hands piano concerts.

From harmonious and humoristic pieces, to pieces with great emotional depth and artistic impact, from virtuosity and brilliance to nearly orchestral sound effects, the Madeira Piano Fest wants to demonstrate this instrument´s almost unlimited potential, a key element for developing the creativity of many composers from a range of different periods, resulting in a vast repertoire.

The musical pieces will be played using Steinway and Bechstein pianos, at the Baltazar Dias Municipal Theatre.

Madeira Nature Festival

During the first week of October several active tourism activities will take place on land, sea, and air, promoted by partners (agents that are officially certified to promote tourist entertainment activities), including jeep tours and safaris, hiking and walks along the levadas, canyoning, BTT biking, horse riding, quad biking, bird watching, climbing, boat trips/sailing, dolphin and whale watching, boat trips, diving, kayaking, snorkelling, surfing, sight-seeing, parasailing, cable car rides, and much more. 

Land Activities ...

Birdwatching
Madeira Islands offers excellent conditions for Bird Watching either land or sea specimens. This is an excellent opportunity to get in touch with the islands natural heritage. Madeira's rich biodiversity certifies the island as a rich Biogenetic Reserve acknowledge by the European Council as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO, allowing you to get in touch directly with some of Madeira islands Macaronesia endemic specimens. Walk the islands footpaths and discover birds such as the Trocaz Pigeon (Columba toed), the Lavandeira (schmitzi Motacilla cinerea), the buzzards (Buteo buteo harterti) and the Zino's petrel (Pterodroma Madeira). Should you prefer to go on a boat trip you may also encounter a wide variety of seabirds. There are certified companies specialized in this area which organize land and sea tours, according to your best interests. 

Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is a very popular way to explore and discover Madeira Islands. Riding your bike along the islands you'll discover some of the magical corners of Madeira and Porto Santo islands. Take profit of the pleasure of feeling the surrounding scenery discovering some of the hidden footpaths midst the heart of the Laurissilva forest. 

Canyoning
Going down the clear water streams in Madeira island is a way to disclose some of the untouched and virgin parts of the island. Summertime is the most suitable time of the year to experience the islands northern streams as the water levels are more abundant, turning it into a very exciting challenge. However in wintertime the southern streams are the most appealing as they offer an easier and gentler access. 

Excursions
To discover the archipelago you can choose to engage a guided tour planned by the local certified official professional entities. You can plan either a tour in the sea or in the land through the local travel agents and the local official tourism leisure company/agents. 

Horseback Riding
Riding along intermediate or easy trails is an ideal approach to avoid daily stress, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. 

Jeep Safari
Discover the island in 4x4 vehicle and enjoy its unique panoramic views. Feel the excitement of overcoming natural challenging obstacles and get in touch with untouched settings which will provide you with unforgettable memories. 

Levadas Walks
Madeira's challenging and mountainous relief and its unique environment that will allow you to engage in the discovery of several footpaths placed in natural settings of rare beauty. The north part of the island and central mountain chain are ideal locations for the practice of this activity. Discover Madeira Levada Walks. 

Sea Activities ...

Sailing & Boat Trips
Discover a different side of Madeira Islands. The panoramic views over the coastline enhance the natural beauty of this enchanted island. Schedule a tour to Desertas Islands and visit the last monk seal's (Monachus Monachus) refuge, commonly known by locals as Lobo Marinho. Do not miss the opportunity to observe other marine fauna specimens such as dolphins and with luck, whales. 

Whales & Dolphins
Madeira Island is an ideal destination for the observation of dolphins, whales and other marine specimens namely turtles. Swimming along with some marine mammals, under the guidance of marine biologist teams or certified official guides, will offer you an unforgettable experience surrounded by a mild and peaceful sea setting. Join one of the local certified entertainment agents devoted to the observation of cetaceans that will make you acquainted with this practice allowing you to interact with these animals. 

Scuba diving
Dive into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and discover an intriguing underwater world. Visit some of the islands most inviting diving Nature Reserves. Get in touch with the peacefulness of diving with some of the local fish specimens, used to coexist with divers, providing excellent underwater photography opportunities. In the heart of the Atlantic Ocean lies an interesting undersea world. 

Air Activities ...

Airplane Journeys
Get to know the inland side of the island by engaging yourself in an airplane journey. This is a unique way to discover places that will remain in your mind forever, some of them will even allow you to dream with the garden of Eden! You will discover unspoilt places where Nature seems to be as pure as before the discovery of the island! 

Paragliding
Due to the islands morphological features this is one of the most appealing activities to the lovers of this sports practice. There are excellent locations to engage in this adventure, such as Pico da Cruz, Madalena do Mar viewing point, and also Porto da Cruz and Prazeres.

Tour 2 – Best of the West (Full-day)

1^st... Lido

The Lido Promenade is a seafront walkway that provides a pedestrian link between the Lido area and Formosa Beach. The entire path affords far-reaching views over the Atlantic.

In the Lido area can be found a seafront walkway that provides a pedestrian link between the Lido area and Formosa Beach. This pedestrian precinct is a welcoming place where wide views over the Atlantic Ocean combine with the gardened areas of the promenade, making this place very attractive from a landscape point of view.
This area can be visited for sport or leisure. 

Another attraction of this promenade is its proximity to beach areas. Various public swimming pools can be accessed from the Lido Promenade, such as the Lido and Ponta Gorda beach complexes and the Naval Club, as well as Poças do Governador and Formosa Beach.

2^nd... Câmara de Lobos

Câmara de Lobos is a pretty fishing town that is located on the south-eastern side of Madeira and makes for a pleasant day trip from Funchal. Câmara de Lobos is a working town specialising in the fishing of the night dwelling Scabbard fish. This hard fishing lifestyle is reflected in the town, with small traditional tenements that house multiple families crowding around the cliffs, while at dawn the returning fishermen head to the bars to drink Poncha, a strong alcoholic drink. For visitors Camara de Lobos is a picturesque location with colourful fishing boats pulled up onto the grey beaches, which are over looked by some of the highest cliffs in Europe. These charming views inspired Camara de Lobos’ most famous resident, Winston Churchill, to paint his celebrated pictures of the region and this history is lovely embraced by the town.

3^rd... Cabo Girão

It is the highest cape in Europe, at an elevation of 580 m, and is famous for its suspended glass platform.

The Cabo Girão viewpoint, situated on the highest promontory in Europe, at an elevation of 580 m, offers a vertiginous view of the fajãs of Rancho and Cabo Girão – small areas of cultivated land at the foot of the cliff – as well as magnificent panoramic views over the ocean and the municipalities of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal.
The viewpoint has been renovated, and a suspended glass platform, called a skywalk, was built.
It is an excellent spot to practice paragliding and base jumping. Recently, the Portuguese parachutist Mário Pardo performed a spectacular motorcycle leap here.
Nearby is the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Fátima (Our Lady of Fátima), built in 1951 and one of the main pilgrimage sites of the island.

4^th... Ribeira Brava

Located on the south coast of the island, the municipality of Ribeira Brava has a church, in the centre of its town, called São Bento, built in the fifteenth century and possesses beautiful panels of clear Flemish influence, representing the Virgin and the Child, São Bento and São Bernardo.

5^th... Serra D'Água

Located in the centre of the southwest part of the island, Serra d'Água is surrounded by a dense thicket and high hills, among which stand out the peaks of Cruz, Cedro and Pico Grande. It is still irrigated by several streams, which together form the Ribeira Brava stream.
The name of this parish is derived from the construction of a mill for the sawing of timber with the name of “serra de água”. It was in this parish that the first Hydroelectric Station of the island emerged, in 1953.
Via the Serra d’Água road we can go up to Encumeada, a high point of the island that connects Ribeira Brava on the south coast, and São Vicente, on the north coast. Along the climb to Encumeada we can glimpse the stunning panoramic landscapes of the southern and northern parts of the island, with the blue sky on the background and the clouds interspersed with mountains.

6^th... São Vicente

São Vicente is an area characterized by green nature and abundant forest, modelled by volcanic forces and erosion in its beautiful slopes. One of the most representative symbols of the picturesque town of São Vicente is the small chapel built inside a basalt rock at the mouth of the stream that runs through the town.
In the heart of São Vicente one finds the Indigenous Garden where dozens of species of local flora are represented.
The Museum Centre Rota do Cal (Lime Route) situated in this parish, is composed of a pedestrian trip that takes about 30 minutes from the quarries of limestone extraction to the museum.
In the parish of São Vicente there is an extensive area of Laurel Forest. The importance of laurel is due to both its representation in terms of diversity of species of flora and fauna and the respective state of conservation. The Laurel Forest was classified as a Natural Heritage Site of UNESCO in 1999.

7^th... Porto Moniz

The natural pools of Porto Moniz are the highlight of the village of Porto Moniz.
The natural salt water swimming pools are made up of volcanic rock, into which the sea flows naturally.
This space, with a surface area of 3800 m², has also a children’s swimming pool, a children’s play area and access for the disabled.
In addition, the beach has a car park, changing rooms and bathrooms with lockers for storing personal items, a snack bar open during the summer months, first aid, sun loungers and sunshades for hire.

Before leaving Porto Moniz make sure to visit the Madeira Aquarium which boasts an impressive number of endemic fish species.

Travelling by Oxcarts

Oxcarts in Madeira? Yep. Until the end of the 1970s the traditional oxcarts toured along Avenida do Mar, to the delight of residents and visitors.
This cart without wheels, built with wicker and wood, with seats showing bright colored fabrics, glided like a sled and was pulled by two oxen led by a “boieiro” (a herdsman dressed in white, with flat boots and straw hat). The herdsman carried a lamp with him to light the way in the absence of street lighting. The story goes that the first oxcart built in Madeira, in 1477, belonged to the English captain C. Balkey. 
Until the first quarter of the twentieth century this was the most popular form of transport in Funchal and it was classified into two categories: luxury carts and modest carts. The first was aimed at tourism services, weddings and funerals, and the other was used in all other situations. 
The oxcarts, however, fell into disuse for hygienic reasons and due to the circumstances inherent to regional development.