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Galapagos Islands FinchesThe extraordinary adaptation that the finches in Galapagos developed to the different habitats that the islands present was considered by Charles Darwin as an important proof when he formulated the Theory of Evolution. During his expedition to the Galapagos Islands in 1835, Charles Darwin noticed that fiches differ considerably in their structure from one island to another.
It is said that these observations on Galapagos finches inspired Darwin in his theory on the Origin of Species and Natural Selection. All of these finches come from a single species similar to the Blue-Black Grassquit Finch (Volatina Jacarina) which are commonly found along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean in South America. Finches are all about the same size (10–20 cm). The differentiation between species are mainly in the size and shape of their beaks. It is important to note that the beaks are well adapted to different food sources like for pecking wood, crushing seeds, and probing flowers for nectar. Finches' birds are all brownish or black but have different song melodies. Because of their isolation in the Galapagos Islands, the Galapagos Islands finches developed unique beak sizes and shapes and different behaviors too. Each of the finch species has a unique feeding niche. Galapagos finches had to adapt to their new habitat in the Islands and the size and shape of their beaks reflect their specializations. For example the Vegetarian Finch and Ground Finch have all crushing beaks, The Cactus Finch, Warbler Finch and Woodpecker Finch have probing beaks and the Tree Finches have a grasping beak. The evolution of Galapagos Islands Finches is incredible, some of them developed a strong beak, which made it possible for them to crack hard seeds in search for food. Other finches developed very fine and long beaks, to reach insect larvae inside tiny holes. Galapagos Islands Finches by Genus and Species:- Vegetarian Finch (Camarhynchus crassirostris) 2) Genus Geospiza - Large Cactus-Finch (Geospiza conirostris) 3) Genus Certhidea - Warbler Finch (Certhidea olivacea) 4) Genus Pinaroloxias - Cocos Island Finch (Pinaroloxias inornata) The appearance of Galapagos islands finches is quite similar. They are all sparrow sized with brown, black or gray feathers. They have short rounded wings and a rounded tails. Most male finches are black, while the females have a grayish color. The Vegetarian and Tree Finches are not completely black. Warbler, Woodpecker and Mangrove Finches have more of an olive color.
Click here to know more about other Galapagos Birds Galapagos Islands Finches DietOn Wolf Island the Sharp Beaked Ground Finch is known as the Vampire Finch because they feed from the blood of Masked Boobies and Red Footed Boobies. Woodpecker and Mangrove Finches use a small brushwood or cactus spine to pull out the larva contained in dead tree branches. Galapagos islands finches have developed all these abilities to survive during the dry season or when little food is available. The term Darwin's Finches was first applied in 1936, and later popularized in 1947 by David Lack. More About Galapagos:Recommended Galapagos Island ToursFlight to Galapagos Best Galapagos Hotel Galapagos Island Bird Galapagos Island Pictures Request Free Galapagos Travel Brochures Galapagos Recommended Reading:The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our TimeThe Beak of the Finch is an amazing work on the topic of evolution. The study of the Galapagos Finches not only proves the importance of evolution as a contemporary subject but as one that can be observed RIGHT NOW in the world around us. (Highly recommended) The Diving Guide: Galapagos Islands If you have questions and want to know more about the Galapagos Islands or if you want to book one of our recommended Galapagos Cruises Please feel free to Click Here to Contact Me
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