Common name:
Española mockingbird
Scientific name:
Mimus macdonaldi
Spanish name:
Cucuve de Española
Conservation status:
Vulnerable
Average size:
28 centimetres
The Española mockingbird is the largest of the mockingbird species in Galapagos and is only found on Española island. It is a largish grey and white bird with a long tail, curved bill, black face mask and moustache, and dark marks on its under feathers. It looks very similar to the other mockingbird species, but its bill is more curved.
Española mockingbirds are found in open lowland areas with scrub, scattered trees or Opuntia cacti. They are omnivorous and feed on a wide range of food items including insects, crabs, small lizards and fruits. They will also peck iguanas for ticks and have been observed cracking the eggs of other birds species. During the dry season they have been seen drinking blood from wounded sea lions, marine iguanas, albatrosses and nestling Nazca boobies.
They form groups of up to eight individuals during the breeding season which takes place in March and April. Each pair usually lays one egg. In the non-breeding season, they can gather in groups of up to 40 individuals which all forage together.
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"50 years after Darwin's visit, the species was extinct on Floreana."
This ambitious reintroduction project aims to bring back one of Floreana's most iconic species, currently restricted to just two tiny islets off the coast of the island.
Help us protect the landbirds of Galapagos by donating today or by adopting a Floreana mockingbird.
