Trumpeter Finch

 Trumpeter Finch or “Bucanetes githagineus”

An article by DaveG with The Voice Fuerteventura

If you are taking a romantic walk along the seashore in Fuerteventura and from a distance you see a small flock of birds which resemble sparrows, they are most likely Trumpeter Finches. 

These brown and rusty colored little finches are very well camouflaged against the rocks and natural vegetation of Fuerteventura. If you are lucky enough to have a pond or small pool near you, they will visit in large numbers to drink. They of course, can also be seen in most of the barrancos around the Island.

RED BEAK

The trumpeter finch is a small, long-winged bird. It has a large head and short, very thick bill. The summer male has a red bill, grey head and neck, and pale brown upper parts. The breast, rump and tail are pink. Winter males, females and young birds are a very washed-out version of the breeding male. The song of this bird is a buzzing nasal trill, like a tin trumpet.

BREEDING

This finch breeds in the Canary Islands, across north Africa, and in the Middle East and into central Asia. There is a small European population in southern Spain. Many birds are largely resident, but there is post-breeding dispersal, and some Asian breeders migrate into Pakistan for the winter.In the summer of 2005 there was a notable eruption of this species into northwestern Europe, with several birds reaching as far as England.

Stony desert or semi-desert is favoured for breeding and four eggs are laid in a nest in a rock crevice. This gregarious terrestrial finch’s food is mainly seeds, and, particularly in the breeding season, insects.

So in March/April, if you are lucky enough to be on the Island of Fuerteventura, you will notice the beautiful breeding colors of this little bird. I took these pics near Caleta de Fuste in March last year. ( Zone 8 on The Voice Fuerteventura Birdwatching Map ) See Below: