Biology

The diet of the Azores bullfinch comprises at least 37 different plants, and appears to show marked seasonal variation (3). In summer, birds take herbaceous seeds; in autumn, seeds of fleshy fruits; in winter, tree seeds and fern sporangia; and in spring, flower buds, fern sporangia, fern fronds and moss tips (4). The birds move from area to area following the fruiting availability of food plants (3). Courting behaviour begins in May, extends through to early June, and involves bill caressing and twig displays (4). Breeding occurs from mid-June to late August (2). Clutch size is unknown (3) but studies suggest that two young are usually raised (4). Young fledge from mid-July and adults moult from September onwards (4).