Skip navigation
Go to home page > Species > Mangrove finch

Mangrove finch

Mangrove finch
© Michael Dvorak

Common name:

Mangrove finch

Scientific name:

Camarhynchus heliobates

Spanish name:

Pinzón de manglar

Conservation status:

Critically Endangered

EX EW CR EN VU NT LC

Average size:

14 centimetres

Maximum size:

15 centimetres

Average weight:

18 grams

Overview

The mangrove finch belongs to the group of birds commonly referred to as ‘Darwin’s finches’, and is endemic to the Galapagos Islands. It has highly specific habitat requirements, with breeding populations occurring only in two small areas of pristine mangrove forest on the north-west coast of Isabela. Its extinction across much of its former range makes the mangrove finch one of the most range-restricted birds in the world, with only around 100 individuals remaining. 

Adult mangrove finches have dull brown plumage, becoming more olive-toned towards the rump, and whitish, lightly streaked underparts. Males develop black feathers on the head and neck after several annual moults. The beak is long and pointed, and, like many of Darwin’s finches, has evolved for efficient food collection. Mangrove finches use their delicate beaks to lift the scales of tree bark, allowing them to retrieve insect prey from underneath, as well as to probe through the leaf litter.

Mangrove finches in Galapagos

How you can help

Please help us protect the wildlife of Galapagos by donating today.

Read more about mangrove finches...

Galapagos giant tortoise amongst vegetation
12th Sep 2023
Island restoration Rewilding

Rewilding Galapagos: Giving nature a helping hand

What does rewilding mean in the context of Galapagos, where 97% of the land is already a protected National Park?
Read more
10th Feb 2022
Invasive species

Mangrove Finch Project update

Despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, the Mangrove Finch Project team was able to spend six weeks in the field during the 2021 breeding season. Some new techniques provided some valuable results.
Read more
24th Sep 2020
Invasive species

Mangrove Finch Project update

Like many projects in Galapagos, the Mangrove Finch Project was interrupted this year by the COVID-19 lockdown. The consequences for the mangrove finch population are predicted to have been poor and may never be known even if the team can return to...
Read more
8th Aug 2018
Invasive species

Invasive Species in Galapagos

An invasive species is any living organism that is not native to an ecosystem. They are found all around the world and are among the leading threats to indigenous wildlife.
Read more

Get the latest news from Galapagos

Join our mailing list to receive our monthly email newsletter, bringing you the latest news on Galapagos and our work to protect the Islands.

Hidden
Share This Page