The Priolo (Pyrrhula murina), a bird endemic to the Azores, is one of the main symbols of Nordeste, as it can only be found here and in the neighboring municipality of Povoação (Terras do Priolo).
Thanks to the joint efforts of SPEA and the Regional Government of the Azores over more than 15 years, the population of priolos has increased from a worrying 400 to more than 900 birds.
It is a small bird, measuring between 15 and 17 cm and weighing approximately 30 grams. Its distinctive features are its black head, tail and wings, while in juveniles the head is brown, with the bar in the middle of the wings and the upper part of the tail being grayish. The call is unmistakable: a short, fluted, melancholy whistle.
In summer it feeds in open areas and in winter it stays in areas of native high-altitude forest, the Laurissilva, depending on many species of native and endemic plants.
The Priolo is a species protected by the European Birds Directive and is included in several lists of most endangered animals (currently in a vulnerable situation) at national and international level, which is why the Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme Special Protection Area (Sítio da Rede Natura 2000) was created.
To find out more about the Priolo, its habitat and conservation work, visit the Priolo Environmental Center.

See Priolo Environmental Center and Nature Activities.