Common Cactus-Finch
Geospiza scandens
This cactus-loving Galápagos finch has an especially distinctive bill, which is long, deep at the base, and often appears droopy. Bill is black on breeding male and dull orange on female and nonbreeding male. Male’s plumage is sooty-black; female is dark brown with paler underparts that are blotched with gray. Most prevalent in arid coastal areas, where it is often seen feeding on prickly pear flowers. Found on most islands, but absent from Española, Genovesa, Santiago, and Fernandina.
Taxonomy
The common cactus finch is one of nine species in the genus Geospiza, part of a group of closely related species known as Darwin's finches. There are four recognized subspecies:
- Scientific name
- Geospiza scandens
- Authority
- (Gould, 1837)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Geospiza
Range and habitat
Found in the arid zone of many of the islands in the Galápagos, the common cactus finch is seldom far from areas of Opuntia cactus.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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