Rock sparrow (Petronia petronia)

A bird of the finch family (Fringillidae), common on Madeira and Porto Santo (‘holy harbour’), which feeds on seeds and insects. On the one hand it damages crops through the great quantity of grain it eats; on the other, it should be regarded as an ally of the farmer, because of the great numbers of harmful insects it destroys, especially when it has young to feed in the nest. There were once municipal bylaws (posturas) aimed at destroying this species. A particularly curious one was that of the Municipal Council (Câmara Municipal) of Porto Santo, which obliged every head of household to present 25 sparrow heads during the whole month of June each year.

It nests from February to June, usually in holes in walls or under the roof tiles of houses. Its nests are roughly made and lined with wool, cattle hair, human hair and above all hens’ feathers. The eggs, 5 or 6 to a clutch, vary greatly in colour and markings, being whitish, greyish or yellowish.