Mangrove Finch
Camarhynchus heliobates
A critically endangered Galápagos finch and one of the world’s rarest birds. Currently known only from mangroves at a few sites (with restricted access) on Isabela. Formerly found on Fernandina, but there are no recent substantiated records there. Both sexes typically have brown upperparts, whitish underparts with tan streaking, and a faint eyebrow. Some older males may have a faint, dark hood. Bill is relatively long, with a curved upper edge and mostly straight lower edge. Male’s bill is black when breeding and slightly paler at other times. Female’s bill is orange. Similar to Woodpecker Finch, but that species has a longer bill and less prominent streaking.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Camarhynchus heliobates
- Authority
- (Snodgrass & Heller, 1901)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Camarhynchus
Range and habitat
As its name suggests, the mangrove finch lives in the mangroves of the Galápagos Islands. The mangrove finch feeds upon the various insects, larvae, spiders, and vegetable matter found in the mangroves. It closely resembles the far commoner woodpecker finch, but is not known to use tools.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
The mangrove finch is classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, with only 20–40 mature individuals as of 2021.<p>In January 2014, project researchers reported successfully raising 15 mangrove finch chicks in captivity and releasing them back into the wild. Since then, 36 fledglings have been "head-started" and the project is building on this success.<p>The Mangrove Finch Project is a bi-institutional project carried out by the Charles Darwin Foundation and Galapagos National Park in collaboration with San Diego Zoo Global and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. The project is supported by the Galapagos Conservation Trust, the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, Galapagos Conservancy, and the British Embassy in Ecuador.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Pitta angolensis
An unusual and beautiful bird that is rarely seen, even by those expressly looking for it. Note the buffy underparts, green back, red undertail, and bold facial pattern. Found on the floor of forest and dense thicket. Very shy, remaining motionless for long periods. At least some populations are migratory within Africa. The call is an explosive, liquid “phwit.” Can only be confused with Green-breasted Pitta, but separated by the lack of a dark-green breast.
Socotra Cormorant
Phalacrocorax nigrogularis
Medium-sized, slender black cormorant. Note diagnostic white plume tuft on the cheeks (most noticeable in breeding adults). Juvenile is dull brown with paler underparts. Breeds on small desert islands in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea. Exclusively coastal, shunning inland waters. Forages in flocks, often in immense congregations.
Black Curassow
Crax alector
Large, terrestrial rainforest bird; common and tame where not hunted. Note mostly black plumage, white belly, and yellow base of bill. Walks through forest feeding on arthropods and fallen fruit. When flushed, flies laboriously to low perch and looks back at observer. Frequently seen along roadsides and rivers. Roosts in forest canopy. Males often give low, booming song on moonlit nights.
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