Zino’s Petrels have arrived to Madeira Island and it is already possible to hear them at night at their breeding place – Pico do Areeiro. Zinos Petrels are endemic seabirds that were though extinct until 1969. They have been the most threaten seabird in the world but fortunately they are not so endangered nowadays.

The Natural Park of Madeira has been conserving Zino’s Petrel habitat from predators and now there is about 80 breeding couples and estimations says there must be over 400 birds in total, which is not so bad but is it still a very small population.

Photo by Tânia Pestana

For seawatching lovers their season has started already, as by this time of year one can already stare at the sea for ours and amuse himself with all seabirds that breed in Madeira Island.

The best places in Madeira Island for seawatching are Porto Moniz on the north of the island and Ponta da Cruz in Funchal. Though, if you would like to go on a night expedition to hear and see Zino's Petrel, join Madeira Wind Birds.