Silversea Luxury Cruises A Ilha do Corvo, Azores

These are great conditions for a lush vegetation. At times, Corvo both supported and was a victim to pirates. One recorded battle at the island’s settlement occurred in 1632 when attacking Barbary Coast pirates were met by shepherds throwing rocks from the cliffs. The Corvo people repelled the pirates and victory was put down to the local vicar carrying a small statue of the Virgin Mary into the battle. Today, the statue is in the local church. Corvo and nearby Flores are renowned amongst ornithologists for spotting birds rarely seen in Europe. In autumn, migrating North American birds are sometimes blown off course to the islands. After a rest and a feed, they continue on their way. Corvo means crow and Azore means goshawk. Neither bird was ever here, so explorers needed better binoculars. But there are resident birds, including Azores Grey Wagtail, Azores Blackbird and Azores Chaffinch. Look for the Atlantic Canary, wild ancestor of the domestic canary. At the Azores they sing the same but look better in the wild than in a cage.