
Common name:
Darwin's finches
Scientific name:
Geospizinae subfamily
Spanish name:
Pinzones de Darwin
Conservation status:
Vulnerable
Overview
Darwin’s finches, named after Charles Darwin, are small land birds, 17 of which are endemic to the Galapagos Islands. The 18th finch is the Cocos finch which is found on Cocos Island, Costa Rica. They are not true finches – they actually belong to the tanager family. It is thought that their ancestor, and closest known relative, is the dull-coloured grassquit, which is found on mainland South America.
Once the original grassquits arrived in Galapagos, they diversified and adapted to the different environments found on the Islands, eventually becoming different species. They famously evolved to have different beaks which are suited to different food types such as large seeds and invertebrates, allowing them to occupy different niches.
Darwin’s finches are all very similar in shape, size and colour, but there are a few differences which can help when identifying them. These include diet, habitat, and beak size and shape.
Darwin's finches in Galapagos
Photo gallery
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How you can help
Please help us protect the wildlife of Galapagos by donating today or by purchasing our limited edition Galapagos pin badges, featuring designs including the common cactus finch.
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Promising signs on Floreana as five species of finch are released
