The Galápagos Islands are home to an extraordinary array of bird species, with 45 unique birds found nowhere else on Earth. From flightless cormorants to tool-using finches, these birds showcase the power of evolution in isolated environments. Each species has adapted in remarkable ways, making the Galápagos a living laboratory for studying biodiversity and natural selection.
1. Galápagos Penguin
The Galápagos Penguin is the only penguin species found north of the equator and is native exclusively to the Galápagos Islands. Small, agile, and charming, it thrives in the archipelago’s cooler, nutrient-rich waters—thanks to the Humboldt and Cromwell currents. Its presence in a tropical region makes it one of the most fascinating and unexpected residents of the islands.
Identification and Physical Features
- Smallest South American penguin species, standing about 19 inches tall
- Black head with a white border running from behind the eye to the throat
- Distinctive black horseshoe-shaped band on the chest
- Short, stubby wings adapted for swimming, not flight
Natural Habitat and Distribution
Galápagos Penguins are mainly found on Fernandina and Isabela Islands, especially along coastal lava formations and caves. Unlike Antarctic penguins, they nest in shaded rock crevices to protect themselves from the tropical sun.
Behavior and Adaptations
These penguins are skilled swimmers and hunt small fish like sardines and anchovies. To cope with the equatorial heat, they pant, hold out their flippers, and stay in the shade or water during the hottest parts of the day. Their unique lifestyle and adaptation to both land and sea make them a standout example of Galápagos wildlife evolution.
2. Flightless Cormorant
The Flightless Cormorant is one of the rarest birds in the world and a true Galápagos icon. It’s the only cormorant species that has lost the ability to fly—an adaptation that evolved due to the lack of land predators on the islands.
Identification and Physical Features
- Dark, robust body with short wings and powerful legs
- Blue eyes and a hooked bill
- Small, stunted wings unsuitable for flight
- Males are slightly larger than females
Habitat and Range
Found primarily on the western coasts of Fernandina and northern Isabela Islands, these birds prefer rocky shorelines, nesting close to nutrient-rich waters.
Behavior and Feeding
Excellent swimmers, they dive to catch eels, octopus, and fish. Their nesting rituals include mutual preening and offering seaweed or debris as gifts. Their inability to fly has led to a life entirely centered on the coastline.
3. Waved Albatross
The Waved Albatross is the largest bird in the Galápagos and is famous for its elegant gliding and dramatic mating dances. Remarkably, it breeds almost exclusively on Española Island.
Identification and Physical Features
- Long wingspan over 7 feet
- White head, neck, and underparts with brown wings
- Yellow bill and “wavy” pattern on the chest
- Graceful, soaring flight style
Breeding Grounds and Habitat
These seabirds are mainly found on Española Island’s rocky terrain and cliffs. During the non-breeding season, they roam across the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Behavior and Courtship Display
Waved Albatrosses are known for their elaborate mating dances that involve bill-fencing, bowing, and synchronized movements. They mate for life and return to the same spot each year to breed.
4. Lava Heron
The Lava Heron is a small, stealthy predator that blends perfectly with the dark volcanic rocks of the Galápagos shores. This species is endemic to the islands and is often spotted stalking crabs or fish in tide pools.
Identification and Physical Features
- Slaty-gray plumage that provides camouflage against lava rocks
- Short neck and legs compared to other herons
- Yellow-orange legs and piercing yellow eyes
- Slightly curved, sharp black bill
Habitat and Distribution
Commonly found along rocky coastlines, tide pools, and mangroves throughout the islands. They rarely stray far from shore.
Hunting Style and Behavior
They are solitary hunters, moving slowly and striking quickly. Their patience and perfect camouflage make them effective predators in the Galápagos ecosystem.
5. Lava Gull
The Lava Gull is the rarest gull in the world and found only in the Galápagos Islands. With an estimated population of just a few hundred, it is a rare sight even in its native habitat.
Identification and Physical Features
- Smoky-gray body with darker gray wings and back
- Black head and slightly hooked bill
- Red eye-ring and dark legs
- Slightly smaller than typical gulls, with a more slender build
Nesting Areas and Territory
They nest along the shores of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, and Isabela Islands. Lava Gulls are highly territorial and nest in isolated spots to protect their young.
Feeding Habits and Behavior
These gulls are opportunistic feeders, eating fish scraps, seabird eggs, and baby turtles. Unlike other gulls, they are solitary and rarely form large flocks, adding to their elusive nature.
6. Swallow-tailed Gull
The Swallow-tailed Gull is one of the most striking and unique seabirds of the Galápagos. It’s the only fully nocturnal gull in the world, adapted to hunting squid and fish at night using exceptional vision.
Identification and Physical Features
- Pale gray wings, white underparts, and black head during breeding
- Bright red eye ring and large dark eyes adapted for night vision
- Long, forked tail resembling a swallow’s
- Slender bill with a white tip
Habitat and Breeding Sites
They nest on cliffs and rocky ledges of islands like Española, Genovesa, and Wolf. Their nests are typically built from coral and lava fragments close to the ocean’s edge.
Feeding Behavior and Adaptation
Swallow-tailed Gulls feed at night, diving for bioluminescent squid and small fish. Their large eyes allow them to navigate and hunt under low-light ocean conditions—an extraordinary trait among gulls.
7. Galápagos Hawk
The Galápagos Hawk is the top land predator in the islands’ ecosystem. It’s an apex species with no natural enemies and plays a key role in maintaining ecological balance.
Identification and Physical Features
- Broad wings and fan-shaped tail
- Dark brown to black plumage
- Sharp talons and curved yellow beak
- Juveniles are lighter brown with mottled markings
Range and Territories
Galápagos Hawks are found across most major islands, particularly on Española, Fernandina, and Santiago. They prefer open scrubland, lava fields, and coastal cliffs.
Behavior and Diet
They are opportunistic hunters, feeding on lizards, snakes, insects, baby iguanas, and carrion. Galápagos Hawks are also monogamous or polyandrous, with one female often mating with multiple males who help raise the young.
8. Galápagos Dove
The Galápagos Dove is a ground-dwelling bird known for its soft cooing and striking blue eye ring. Its gentle presence and tameness make it one of the more approachable endemic birds on the islands.
Identification and Physical Features
- Reddish-brown plumage with black-and-white wing markings
- Blue eye ring and pink legs
- Long, downward-curved bill
- Compact, rounded body
Habitat and Distribution
These doves are found on most of the islands, especially in arid lowland regions with scrubby vegetation. They are often seen foraging on the ground or perched on lava rocks.
Feeding and Nesting
They feed on seeds, fruits, and insects and often nest in rocky crevices or cacti. Their lack of fear toward humans reflects the isolation of the Galápagos ecosystem, where few land predators exist.
9. Galápagos Rail
The Galápagos Rail is a secretive, flightless bird rarely seen by visitors. It dwells deep in the highland vegetation of the islands and is known for its reclusive habits and quiet movements.
Identification and Physical Features
- Small, plump body with gray face and chestnut back
- Red eyes and short, curved beak
- Very short wings—incapable of sustained flight
- Often mistaken for a rodent due to its quick ground movements
Habitat and Limited Range
This rail lives in dense, moist highland areas of several islands, including Santa Cruz, Santiago, and Pinta. It favors grassy marshlands and fern-covered hillsides.
Behavior and Conservation Status
Galápagos Rails forage for insects, seeds, and small invertebrates. Due to habitat loss and introduced species like rats and goats, they are considered vulnerable and are part of ongoing conservation efforts.
10. Galápagos Martin
The Galápagos Martin is a rare and little-studied songbird, believed to be the only martin species endemic to the Galápagos. It plays a quiet role in the island’s avian community, often seen darting through the skies in search of insects.
Identification and Physical Features
- Small and sleek with dark bluish-black plumage
- Forked tail and pointed wings
- Pale underparts in some individuals
- Resembles mainland martins but with subtle differences in size and color
Range and Habitat
This species is found in limited numbers across the larger islands, including Santa Cruz and Isabela. It prefers open areas near cliffs, forest edges, or highlands.
Flight and Feeding Behavior
Galápagos Martins are agile aerial hunters, feeding on flying insects mid-air. They are swift and elusive, rarely perching in open view, which contributes to how little is known about their exact population and breeding habits.
11. Galápagos Flycatcher
Also known as the Large-billed Flycatcher, this small bird is often the first to greet visitors on the trails. Friendly and curious, the Galápagos Flycatcher is known to perch close to humans, even landing on hats or cameras.
Identification and Physical Features
- Pale brown upperparts and yellowish underparts
- Broad, flat bill—larger than most flycatchers
- Slight crest on the head
- Medium-sized, with a short tail and alert posture
Habitat and Range
Widespread across the major islands, it is common in dry forests, shrublands, and near visitor trails. Unlike many birds, it is unafraid of people, making it easy to spot and photograph.
Behavior and Diet
This species feeds mainly on insects, catching them in mid-air or picking them off leaves. Its tame and inquisitive behavior reflects the Galápagos’ predator-free evolution, making it a favorite among birdwatchers.
12. Large Ground Finch
The Large Ground Finch is the biggest of Darwin’s finches, showcasing the powerful beak that defines its feeding specialization. It’s one of the clearest examples of adaptive evolution in the Galápagos.
Identification and Physical Features
- Stocky body with a massive, thick beak
- Males are black; females are brown with streaks
- Short tail and rounded wings
- Beak adapted for cracking hard seeds
Habitat and Island Distribution
Common on islands such as Genovesa, Española, and Fernandina, it prefers dry scrubland and arid lowlands where seeds are abundant.
Feeding Habits and Evolutionary Role
The beak is its most distinctive trait, evolved specifically for hard seed consumption. As part of Darwin’s finch group, this bird exemplifies natural selection and ecological adaptation within the archipelago.
13. Medium Ground Finch
The Medium Ground Finch is one of the most studied of Darwin’s finches, playing a key role in research on evolution. With its mid-sized beak, it occupies a feeding niche between small and large seed eaters.
Identification and Physical Features
- Medium-sized beak, broad and slightly curved
- Males are black; females are streaky brown
- Rounded body with a short tail
- Slightly more agile than the larger ground finches
Habitat and Island Range
Found on several islands including Santa Cruz and Daphne Major, it prefers open areas, dry forests, and scrubby landscapes.
Behavior and Diet
It feeds mainly on seeds, occasionally insects, using its versatile beak. Its changing beak size over time in response to droughts has been central to groundbreaking evolutionary studies.
14. Small Ground Finch
The Small Ground Finch is the most widespread and numerous of Darwin’s finches in the Galápagos. It’s easily spotted on almost every island and is notable for its adaptability and social behavior.
Identification and Physical Features
- Small body with a short, conical beak
- Males are all black; females are brown with streaked underparts
- Rounded wings and short tail
- Beak adapted for soft seeds and small insects
Habitat and Island Coverage
Common across nearly all the Galápagos Islands, this finch thrives in various habitats—dry zones, shrublands, coastal areas, and even near human settlements.
Feeding and Behavior
It feeds on seeds, small fruits, and insects. The Small Ground Finch often travels in mixed-species flocks and shows less territorial behavior compared to other finches. Its adaptability has helped it flourish across the archipelago.
15. Large Tree Finch
The Large Tree Finch is a forest-dwelling Darwin’s finch with a powerful beak adapted for crushing insects in wood and bark. It plays an important role in forest ecosystems by controlling insect populations.
Identification and Physical Features
- Medium to large finch with a thick, curved beak
- Males are black or dark gray; females are brown and streaked
- Sturdy body with strong legs for perching on branches
- Beak adapted for insect-feeding rather than seeds
Habitat and Range
Primarily found in the highland forests of islands like Santa Cruz and Floreana. It prefers humid woodlands and dense foliage.
Diet and Ecological Role
Feeds mainly on insects and larvae hidden in bark. Its specialized diet reduces competition with ground finches. The Large Tree Finch is one of the more threatened finch species due to habitat loss and the parasitic fly Philornis downsi.
16. Small Tree Finch
The Small Tree Finch is another member of Darwin’s finch group, often confused with its larger cousin but with a smaller, more delicate bill suited to its own unique feeding niche.
Identification and Physical Features
- Small body and slightly curved, narrow beak
- Males are dark gray or black; females are brown with streaks
- Subtle differences in beak shape from other tree finches
- Agile and often active in mid-level forest canopies
Habitat and Distribution
Common in highland and transitional forests, especially on Santa Cruz and Floreana. It prefers lush, humid areas with rich insect life.
Feeding and Nesting Behavior
Feeds mainly on insects, occasionally seeds. It nests in trees and is monogamous during the breeding season. The Small Tree Finch is vulnerable to parasitism by invasive species, impacting fledgling survival rates.
17. Woodpecker Finch
The Woodpecker Finch is one of the most remarkable birds in the Galápagos for its tool-using behavior—using twigs or cactus spines to extract insects from bark or crevices.
Identification and Physical Features
- Medium-sized finch with a strong, straight beak
- Dull grayish-brown plumage in both sexes
- Less sexually dimorphic than other finches
- Looks plain but displays extraordinary intelligence
Range and Habitat
Found in highland and transitional forests across several islands including Santa Cruz and Isabela. Prefers areas with decaying trees and thick bark.
Unique Behavior and Diet
Feeds on insects and larvae deep within trees. It’s famous for using tools—breaking off small sticks or spines and using them to probe crevices—making it one of the very few non-human animals known to use tools in the wild.
18. Mangrove Finch
The Mangrove Finch is one of the rarest and most endangered of all Darwin’s finches. It has a very restricted range and faces severe threats from habitat loss and parasitic flies, making it a top priority for conservation efforts.
Identification and Physical Features
- Medium-sized finch with a stout, straight beak
- Dark grayish-brown plumage with lighter underparts
- Minimal sexual dimorphism—males and females look similar
- Strong legs for moving among tangled mangrove roots
Habitat and Limited Distribution
Now found only in the mangrove forests of western Isabela Island, especially near Playa Tortuga Negra. Historically more widespread, its current range is critically limited.
Feeding and Conservation
Feeds mainly on insects and arthropods found within mangrove bark and branches. Due to its limited numbers and vulnerability to the parasitic fly Philornis downsi, the Mangrove Finch is critically endangered. Intensive conservation work, including captive breeding and nest protection, is ongoing to prevent its extinction.
19. Cactus Finch
The Cactus Finch is a specialist among Darwin’s finches, uniquely adapted to feeding on the flowers, fruit, and seeds of prickly pear cacti. Its sturdy beak helps it exploit a food source that few other finches use regularly.
Identification and Physical Features
- Medium-sized body with a long, curved beak
- Males are black; females are brown with streaks
- Beak is well-suited for extracting cactus nectar and seeds
- Often seen perched on or near cactus pads
Habitat and Island Distribution
Primarily found on arid islands such as Genovesa and Española. It lives in dry zones dominated by Opuntia cactus, which also provides nesting and food.
Feeding and Specialized Behavior
Feeds on cactus flowers, seeds, and sometimes even nectar. The Cactus Finch has evolved to tolerate and navigate cactus spines, giving it a unique niche within the finch community.
20. Warbler Finch
The Warbler Finch is the smallest of Darwin’s finches and most similar to warblers in behavior. It’s important not just ecologically, but scientifically—it helped Charles Darwin notice behavioral differences among finch species.
Identification and Physical Features
- Tiny body with a thin, pointed beak
- Grayish or olive plumage in both sexes
- Lacks the thick beak seen in other finches
- Very lightweight and active
Habitat and Movement
Found in highland forests and moist areas across islands like Santa Cruz and Isabela. It moves swiftly through the canopy, often difficult to spot.
Diet and Behavior
Feeds mostly on insects, spiders, and small invertebrates. Its slender beak is adapted for picking insects off leaves and bark, filling a niche similar to insectivorous warblers.
21. Vegetarian Finch
The Vegetarian Finch is one of the most unique of Darwin’s finches, with a large parrot-like beak adapted not for seeds or insects, but for consuming leaves, buds, and fruit.
Identification and Physical Features
- Large, deep, and blunt beak
- Males are black; females are brown and streaked
- Stocky body with a short tail
- Heavy bill stands out among finches
Habitat and Range
Primarily found in humid highlands and forested areas of Santa Cruz and Floreana. It prefers areas with dense vegetation.
Feeding Behavior and Adaptation
Feeds mainly on leaves, flowers, and fruit—an unusual diet for a finch. It has evolved a niche that avoids competition with seed- or insect-eating finches, showcasing the diversity of evolutionary paths among Galápagos birds.
22. Sharp-beaked Ground Finch
The Sharp-beaked Ground Finch is a highly specialized and, in some cases, notorious species—especially in its vampire-like feeding habits found on certain islands.
Identification and Physical Features
- Small to medium-sized finch with a long, pointed beak
- Males are black; females are brown with streaks
- Beak is sharply tapered, ideal for pecking
- Slim and agile compared to larger ground finches
Habitat and Island Presence
Found on islands like Wolf and Darwin in the far north. Prefers dry scrublands and rocky coasts.
Unusual Behavior and Diet
While it feeds primarily on seeds and insects, populations on Wolf and Darwin Islands have been observed pecking at the skin of seabirds like boobies to drink blood—earning it the nickname “Vampire Finch.” This extreme behavior is believed to be an adaptation to scarce food resources.
23. Genovesa Cactus Finch
The Genovesa Cactus Finch is a localized species of Darwin’s finch found only on Genovesa Island. Closely related to other cactus finches, it has evolved unique traits to match the island’s arid, cactus-dominated environment.
Identification and Physical Features
- Medium body size with a long, curved beak
- Males are black; females are brown and streaked
- Beak adapted for cactus flower and seed consumption
- Subtle differences in size and shape from other cactus finches
Island-Specific Habitat
Endemic to Genovesa Island, this finch inhabits arid zones where Opuntia cacti are abundant. It nests in cactus pads or shrubs nearby.
Diet and Ecological Role
Feeds primarily on cactus flowers, pulp, and seeds. Its reliance on the Genovesa cactus habitat makes it vulnerable to environmental changes but also highlights the power of island-specific adaptation.
24. Española Cactus Finch
Another island-specific cactus specialist, the Española Cactus Finch is restricted to Española Island. It’s similar in appearance to other cactus finches but distinct in genetics and beak shape.
Identification and Physical Features
- Medium-sized body with a curved, robust beak
- Males are solid black; females are brown and streaked
- Beak slightly longer than that of the Genovesa Cactus Finch
- Suited to cactus flower and fruit feeding
Limited Habitat and Range
Found only on Española Island, especially in arid zones rich in Opuntia cactus. It shares habitat with Waved Albatrosses and other dry-zone species.
Feeding and Evolutionary Niche
Feeds on cactus nectar, seeds, and insects around the cactus pads. Like other island-endemic finches, its diet and morphology are tightly linked to its limited environment.
25. Common Cactus Finch
The Common Cactus Finch is more widespread than other cactus specialists and found on multiple islands. It showcases the classic beak shape adapted for feeding on cactus-based resources.
Identification and Physical Features
- Medium build with a thick, curved beak
- Males are black; females brown with streaks
- Beak less elongated than Genovesa or Española finches
- Well-rounded cactus forager
Distribution and Habitat
Found on islands such as Santa Cruz, Floreana, and San Cristóbal. It thrives in arid lowlands with plentiful Opuntia cactus.
Diet and Feeding Habits
Feeds on cactus flowers, fruits, and sometimes insects. It often coexists with other finch species, each occupying a slightly different niche to minimize competition.
26. Vampire Finch
A unique variant of the Sharp-beaked Ground Finch, the Vampire Finch is known for its dramatic feeding behavior—drinking blood from seabirds like boobies on remote islands.
Identification and Physical Features
- Small body with a sharp, pointed beak
- Males are black; females are streaky brown
- Beak specialized for pecking skin
- Often confused with other small ground finches
Habitat and Range
Found exclusively on Wolf and Darwin Islands. Lives in arid, remote coastal areas with few food sources.
Unusual Feeding Behavior
Feeds on seeds and insects but famously pecks open the skin of seabirds like Nazca and Red-footed Boobies to drink their blood. This behavior is believed to have evolved as a survival strategy during food shortages.
27. Large Cactus Finch
The Large Cactus Finch is one of the most robust of the cactus-feeding finches in the Galápagos. Its powerful beak is ideal for tackling tough cactus seeds, and it represents another fascinating case of adaptation to island life.
Identification and Physical Features
- Large, stocky body with a thick, deep beak
- Males are black; females are brown with heavy streaks
- Beak more robust than other cactus finches
- Similar in appearance to the Large Ground Finch but with cactus specialization
Habitat and Island Range
Found primarily on Genovesa Island, especially in dry zones with abundant Opuntia cacti. It nests in low shrubs and cacti.
Feeding and Adaptation
Feeds mostly on cactus fruits and seeds. Its large beak gives it access to food that other finches cannot easily process, reducing competition and supporting survival in drier conditions.
28. Green Warbler-Finch
The Green Warbler-Finch is a subtle, insect-eating finch that resembles mainland warblers in both looks and behavior. It occupies the forest canopy and is difficult to spot due to its quiet nature and greenish tones.
Identification and Physical Features
- Small, lightweight body with a slender, pointed beak
- Olive-green upperparts with paler underparts
- Males and females appear similar
- Delicate and fast-moving
Habitat and Distribution
Found in highland moist forests of Santa Cruz and Santiago. Prefers cool, shaded areas with dense foliage and high insect populations.
Diet and Behavior
Feeds mostly on insects and spiders, picked off leaves and branches. Its quiet behavior and coloring make it one of the more easily overlooked Darwin’s finches, though it fills an important insectivore niche.
29. Gray Warbler-Finch
The Gray Warbler-Finch is another insect-specialist finch, closely related to the Green Warbler-Finch but distinguished by its paler, grayish tones and slightly different habitat range.
Identification and Physical Features
- Tiny, slender body with gray plumage
- Fine, pointed beak ideal for insect picking
- Lighter overall than the Green Warbler-Finch
- Active, with quick darting movements
Habitat and Range
Inhabits arid lowland and transitional zones across several islands, including Española and Floreana. More tolerant of drier environments than its green-toned cousin.
Feeding Behavior
Feeds on insects, particularly from dry shrubs and ground-level vegetation. Its small size and muted colors allow it to stay inconspicuous while efficiently hunting among leaf litter and branches.
30. San Cristóbal Mockingbird
The San Cristóbal Mockingbird is one of four mockingbird species endemic to the Galápagos, each tied to a specific island. This species is known for its boldness and curiosity around humans.
Identification and Physical Features
- Medium-sized with gray-brown plumage
- Long tail and slightly curved bill
- Dark streaks on breast and a white belly
- Black eye-line and white eyebrow
Island and Habitat
Endemic to San Cristóbal Island, it’s found in dry forests, shrublands, and coastal scrub. Often seen near visitor areas and trails.
Social and Feeding Behavior
Highly inquisitive, it feeds on insects, fruits, and even scraps. Like other Galápagos mockingbirds, it lives in small groups and may display cooperative breeding—where multiple individuals help raise chicks.
31. Española Mockingbird
The Española Mockingbird is a bold and highly territorial bird found only on Española Island. It’s known for its aggressive behavior, both toward intruders and among its own kind.
Identification and Physical Features
- Medium size with grayish-brown plumage
- Long tail and slender, slightly curved bill
- Streaked chest and pale belly
- Distinct facial markings with a white eyebrow and dark eye-line
Habitat and Island Range
Endemic to dry, open landscapes of Española Island. Found in scrubby lowlands, rocky coastal zones, and arid terrain.
Behavior and Diet
Feeds on insects, fruits, eggs, and even carrion. Aggressive and highly social, it often travels in family groups and exhibits cooperative breeding. It’s one of the most fearless Galápagos birds when interacting with humans.
32. Floreana Mockingbird
Once common, the Floreana Mockingbird is now extinct on the main island of Floreana and survives only on small nearby islets. It was the first mockingbird species Darwin collected, influencing his theory of evolution.
Identification and Physical Features
- Medium-sized with gray upperparts and streaked underparts
- Long legs and curved bill
- Bold facial pattern with dark eye stripe
- Similar in shape to other Galápagos mockingbirds
Habitat and Current Range
Now restricted to Champion and Gardner Islets off Floreana. Prefers dry, shrubby landscapes and coastal vegetation.
Conservation and Behavior
Feeds on insects, nectar, and fruits. Known for its tameness and social structure. The Floreana Mockingbird is critically endangered, with conservation efforts focused on habitat protection and possible reintroduction.
33. Galápagos Mockingbird
The Galápagos Mockingbird is the most widespread mockingbird species in the archipelago and is often the first bird tourists encounter. It’s highly adaptable and noticeably curious.
Identification and Physical Features
- Pale gray to brown upperparts with streaked breast
- Long tail, slender curved bill
- Prominent dark eye-line and white eyebrow
- Similar body shape to other mockingbirds
Range and Habitat
Found on several central islands including Santa Cruz and Santiago. Inhabits arid lowlands, shrublands, and coastal zones.
Behavior and Diet
Omnivorous—feeds on insects, seeds, fruits, and even seabird eggs. Often approaches humans without hesitation. Social and vocal, with complex calls and cooperative breeding observed in some populations.
34. Galápagos Short-eared Owl
The Galápagos Short-eared Owl is a unique form of the widespread short-eared owl, adapted to the islands’ open habitats. It is one of the few natural predators of the Galápagos ecosystem.
Identification and Physical Features
- Medium-sized owl with mottled brown plumage
- Bright yellow eyes and short ear tufts
- Rounded head and powerful talons
- Excellent camouflage in dry grass and lava fields
Habitat and Distribution
Common on islands with lava flows and open grasslands like Genovesa and Santa Cruz. Prefers open terrain over forests.
Hunting and Behavior
Active during both day and night. Hunts rodents, birds (including petrels and storm-petrels), and insects. Its stealth and adaptability make it a key predator, especially in seabird colonies.
35. Galápagos Barn Owl
A distinct subspecies of the familiar Barn Owl, the Galápagos Barn Owl is an elegant, nocturnal predator that has adapted to the island’s unique conditions and prey availability.
Identification and Physical Features
- Heart-shaped facial disc and pale underparts
- Golden-brown and gray mottled upperparts
- Long legs and silent flight
- Slightly smaller and darker than mainland barn owls
Range and Habitat
Found on multiple islands including Santa Cruz and Isabela. Inhabits rocky outcrops, caves, and abandoned buildings near prey-rich environments.
Behavior and Prey
Nocturnal hunter of rodents, small birds, and large insects. Nests in crevices and under rocks. Though elusive, its eerie screech and silent glide make it one of the islands’ most haunting night-dwellers.
36. Galápagos Petrel
The Galápagos Petrel is a critically endangered seabird that nests only in the highlands of the Galápagos Islands. It spends most of its life at sea, returning only to breed.
Identification and Physical Features
- Medium-sized seabird with long wings and a slender body
- White underparts and dark gray upperparts
- Black eye markings and a hooked bill
- Graceful flight with gliding patterns over open ocean
Breeding Habitat and Range
Breeds in the highland forests of islands like Santa Cruz, Santiago, and Floreana. Nests in underground burrows far from predators.
Behavior and Conservation
Feeds on squid and fish at sea. Critically endangered due to introduced predators like rats and cats. Conservation includes predator control and habitat protection for nesting colonies.
37. Madeiran Storm-Petrel (Galápagos Subspecies)
The Galápagos population of the Madeiran Storm-Petrel is considered a distinct subspecies or potentially its own species due to its unique nesting behavior and isolation.
Identification and Physical Features
- Small seabird with dark plumage and a white rump
- Long wings and a forked tail
- Quick, fluttering flight close to the water’s surface
- Nocturnal at nesting sites
Range and Nesting Sites
Breeds on remote islands like Genovesa and Santiago. Uses crevices, caves, or burrows for nesting, often in lava fields.
Feeding and Behavior
Feeds on planktonic crustaceans and small fish. Comes ashore only at night to avoid predators. Studies are ongoing to determine whether this population should be classified as a separate species.
38. Galápagos Shearwater
The Galápagos Shearwater is a small seabird endemic to the archipelago. It’s often seen gliding low over the ocean waves in search of food.
Identification and Physical Features
- Slender body with long, narrow wings
- Dark brown upperparts and pale underparts
- Slightly hooked bill
- Fast, low flight pattern over water
Habitat and Range
Breeds on rocky cliffs and slopes of several Galápagos islands, especially Santa Cruz and Española. Spends most of its life at sea.
Behavior and Feeding
Feeds on small fish and squid, caught by skimming the surface or shallow diving. Often travels in small flocks and is commonly seen from boats around the islands.
39. Galápagos Crake
The Galápagos Crake is a small, secretive rail that lives in the humid highlands of a few islands. Due to its elusive nature and declining numbers, it is considered vulnerable.
Identification and Physical Features
- Small, round body with short tail
- Brownish-gray plumage and red eyes
- Short, curved beak and strong legs
- Almost flightless, prefers running through undergrowth
Habitat and Distribution
Found on islands like Santa Cruz, Santiago, and Isabela. Lives in dense vegetation in highland wetlands, fern meadows, and grasslands.
Behavior and Diet
Feeds on insects, worms, and seeds. Very shy and difficult to observe. Threatened by habitat destruction and invasive species like cats and rats, which prey on eggs and chicks.
40. Galápagos Bulbul (Extinct)
The Galápagos Bulbul is an extinct bird known only from a few fossil remains. It is believed to have lived in the archipelago long before human arrival.
Identification and Known Facts
- Likely resembled modern bulbuls with soft plumage and melodious calls
- Fossil evidence suggests a fruit- and insect-eating diet
- Likely inhabited lowland forests and shrublands
Historical Range
Exact island range is unknown, but fossil remains were found on multiple central islands, indicating a possibly wide distribution.
Extinction and Legacy
Believed to have gone extinct thousands of years ago, possibly due to climate shifts or volcanic activity. While not observed in modern times, it adds to the evolutionary richness of Galápagos avian history.
41. Dark-billed Cuckoo (Galápagos Population)
The Dark-billed Cuckoo is not endemic to the Galápagos, but the population living on the islands is considered unique due to its isolation and slightly differing behavior.
Identification and Physical Features
- Slender body with gray upperparts and pale underparts
- Long tail with white spots
- Dark grayish bill, unlike the yellow of many other cuckoos
- Red eye ring and swift, low flight
Habitat and Distribution
Occurs occasionally across several islands, often in shrublands and forest edges. Its presence is more seasonal and less predictable than resident species.
Behavior and Diet
Feeds on caterpillars, insects, and small fruits. Unlike many cuckoos, it builds its own nest. It’s shy and elusive, making sightings uncommon.
42. Red-footed Booby (Galápagos Population)
The Red-footed Booby is widespread across tropical oceans, but the Galápagos population has adapted uniquely to the archipelago’s terrain and food sources.
Identification and Physical Features
- White body with black flight feathers
- Red feet and blue facial skin
- Long, pointed wings and wedge-shaped tail
- Smaller than other boobies
Nesting Sites and Range
Breeds on Genovesa and other remote islands. Unlike other boobies, it nests in trees and shrubs rather than on the ground.
Feeding and Flight
Feeds on flying fish and squid, diving from great heights. It’s an agile flier and often seen gliding gracefully over the ocean in search of prey.
43. Nazca Booby (Galápagos Endemic Species)
The Nazca Booby is a large, striking seabird that nests primarily in the Galápagos and is considered endemic to the islands.
Identification and Physical Features
- Bright white body with black wingtips and tail
- Thick, yellow-orange bill and pale face
- Large, heavyset body and long pointed wings
- Lacks the blue facial skin seen in the Masked Booby
Habitat and Breeding Grounds
Nests on Española, Genovesa, and other rocky islands. Prefers flat, open cliffs or coastal plateaus.
Behavior and Diet
Feeds on fish and squid by plunge-diving. Known for “siblicide,” where the stronger chick pushes the weaker out of the nest—an adaptation to limited food resources.
44. Blue-footed Booby (Galápagos Population)
Although not endemic, the Blue-footed Booby is one of the Galápagos’ most famous birds, known for its vivid blue feet and elaborate courtship dance.
Identification and Physical Features
- White body with brown wings
- Pale head and striking blue feet
- Long bill and pointed tail
- Males are slightly smaller than females
Habitat and Island Presence
Nests on islands like North Seymour, Española, and Daphne. Prefers rocky coastal zones and low vegetation areas.
Behavior and Mating Dance
Famous for its high-stepping mating dance, showing off its blue feet to attract mates. Feeds by plunge-diving and often fishes cooperatively in groups.
45. Galápagos Mockingbird (Genetic Distinction)
Though mentioned earlier, the Galápagos Mockingbird is genetically distinct from its mainland relatives and is considered a unique species due to its evolutionary divergence in the islands.
Identification and Physical Features
- Gray-brown upperparts with streaked breast
- Long tail and slender, curved bill
- White eyebrow and dark eye-line
- Similar size to other Galápagos mockingbirds
Range and Behavior
Found on several central islands like Santa Cruz, Santiago, and Rábida. Very social and often seen foraging in groups.
Importance in Evolutionary Studies
One of the key species Darwin studied during his Galápagos visit. Its distinct population structure and island-specific traits helped lay the foundation for his theory of natural selection.
