Floating in the mid-Atlantic between Europe and North America, the Azores archipelago is one of the world's most remote and rewarding birdwatching destinations. With nine volcanic islands offering an array of ecosystems, from mist-shrouded laurel forests and crater lakes to dramatic coastal cliffs and open ocean, the Azores are a sanctuary for both resident species and rare migratory visitors. For bird enthusiasts seeking beauty, biodiversity, and a touch of the unexpected, the islands offer a truly immersive experience in one of Europe’s last wild frontiers.
One of the greatest draws for birders in the Azores is its unique position as a transatlantic stopover. The islands attract migratory species from both sides of the ocean, making it possible to spot North American and European birds on the same day. Autumn, in particular, is a magical time for sightings of transatlantic vagrants such as the American golden plover, pectoral sandpiper, and yellow-billed cuckoo. Even more thrilling are the rarities—birds blown off course by storms and finding refuge in the lush green landscapes of São Miguel, Terceira, or Corvo, the latter of which has earned near-mythical status among hardcore birders for its concentration of New World species.
Yet the Azores are not just about chance encounters with far-flung visitors. The islands are home to several resident and endemic species, making birdwatching a year-round pleasure. Chief among them is the Azores bullfinch (Pyrrhula murina), or “Priolo,” found only in the highland forests of São Miguel. Once on the brink of extinction, the bullfinch has made a steady comeback thanks to intensive conservation work, and seeing one in its natural habitat, deep in the misty canopy of native laurel and heather, is an unforgettable highlight. Other common residents include the Azorean subspecies of the common chaffinch, goldcrest, and buzzard, each subtly distinct from their mainland counterparts.
Seabird enthusiasts will also find plenty to marvel at. The Azores are a key breeding ground for Cory’s shearwaters, which fill the evening skies with haunting calls as they return to their cliffside nests. Watching these birds soar above the waves or glide between islets is a spectacle. Offshore boat tours provide even more opportunities, often combining whale watching with seabird sightings such as storm petrels, terns, and the elusive Bulwer’s petrel. The surrounding waters offer a rich feeding ground, making the Azores a vital part of the Atlantic flyway.
Birdwatching in the Azores is an invitation to slow down and connect deeply with nature. Whether trekking through ancient forests, gazing across wind-swept plains, or standing quietly on a sea cliff as shearwaters call overhead, the experience is meditative, raw, and unforgettable. With its blend of endemic treasures, rare surprises, and untouched landscapes, the Azores deliver a birding adventure like no other, where the wonder of the wild still sings in every breeze.
🗺️ 7-Day Azores Birdwatching Itinerary (São Miguel Island)
📍 Day 1
Ease into island life with a stroll through the cobbled streets of Ponta Delgada. After checking into the eco-friendly Azor Hotel, make your way to the Forte de São Brás, a 16th-century fortress turned maritime museum perched over the harbor. It’s a great intro to the island’s seafaring heritage, and a solid perch to spot gulls and turnstones. Enjoy dinner and fado at Casa do Bacalhau, a cozy spot specializing in Azorean cod dishes.
🌋 Day 2
Set out early for Sete Cidades, the iconic twin-lake crater in the island’s west. Here, quiet forest trails and mirror-still waters make for exceptional birdwatching. Look for Azores wood pigeons, buzzards, and even rare warblers hiding in the hydrangeas. Hike to the Boca do Inferno overlook before heading back to Ponta Delgada for the night, and dinner at the Petiscaria "o calheta".
🌳 Day 3
Drive to the lush, mountainous region of Nordeste, home of the elusive Azores bullfinch (Priolo), found nowhere else on Earth. Spend the day in the Serra da Tronqueira reserve, exploring misty trails and learning about laurel forest conservation at the Centro Ambiental do Priolo. Stay at the eco-friendly Lince Nordeste and dine at the Poço Azul.
🌊 Day 4
Watch the sun rise over the ocean at Ponta da Madrugada, where shearwaters and kestrels wheel through the early light. Spend the day hopping between coastal viewpoints, picnic areas, and light forest trails around Faial da Terra. It’s a peaceful, under-traveled region perfect for spotting songbirds in solitude. Finish the day with dinner at Queijaria Furnense.
🍵 Day 5
On your way back west, stop at Gorreana, Europe’s only tea plantation. Stroll among neatly trimmed rows of camellia sinensis, sip fresh brews, and keep an eye out for blackbirds and grey wagtails flitting through the fields. In the afternoon, ascend to the rim of Lagoa do Fogo, a volcanic lake often ringed by clouds and birdsong. End your day in Ribeira Grande, and check in to the Hotel Verde Mar & Spa. Enjoy dining at the Assocoação Agrícola de Sâo Miguel.
🍲 Day 6
No trip to São Miguel is complete without lunch at Tony’s Restaurant in Furnas, where your stew is cooked underground by volcanic heat. After a filling (and unforgettable) meal, head north to Praia dos Moinhos, a black-sand beach where you might spot whimbrels and sandpipers between dips in the surf. Return to Ponta Delgada and the Azor Hotel for your final night.
✈️ Day 7
If you can, take one last birding stroll through Jardim António Borges. São Miguel offers a quiet kind of magic that stays with you long after the last flight call.
🐦 What to Watch For
Azores bullfinch (Priolo) – endemic, Nordeste region
Cory’s shearwater – seen near cliffs, especially at dusk
Common buzzard, grey wagtail, blackcap, Eurasian whimbrel,
Migratory waders (Aug-Oct): sandpipers, snipes, terns, plovers
🌿 Travel Sustainably
Rent hybrid or electric vehicles
Stay in eco-lodges or local guesthouses
Join small group birding tours that respect wildlife
Pack reusable water bottles, utensils, and binoculars
Stick to marked trails in bird-sensitive areas