Genovesa Island
“Darwin’s finches” is the collective name given to a group of thirteen species of small birds that live in the Galapagos Archipelago. In reality there are fourteen of them. The 14th Darwin finch species inhabits Cocos Island, a small offshore island that belongs to Costa Rica in Central America. The importance these small birds represent for science is immense. No other group of animals has had a bigger impact on our understanding of the evolutionary process. These relatively dull and inconspicuous birds are one the best examples of adaptive radiation. From a single common ancestor that arrived to Galapagos somewhere back in time, thirteen species have evolved. Each one of these species fits into its own particular ecological niche and evolved as a result of isolation and a peculiar lack of predators. It is really fascinating to notice the variable shapes and sizes of the different beaks adapted to the particular needs of each finch species. It is not easy to identify these birds. Michael Harris, a renowned bird watcher and author says, in his book “A Field Guide to the Birds of Galapagos”, at the end of the chapter on Darwin’s finches that “It is only a very wise man or a fool who thinks he is able to identify all the finches which he sees”. However, with patience and a little bit of practice we become wiser and commit fewer mistakes in finch identification. These famous birds are almost all identifiable by their characteristic beaks. In some places, identification can be done by distribution. In yet other cases, when identification is especially difficult, and to avoid committing mistakes, I simply say that the bird in question is a Darwin finch, a wonderful example of evolution!
The one pictured here is the largest of the ground finches, the large billed ground finch (Geospiza magnirrostris). Its disproportionately large beak easily identifies this bird. This beautifully designed beak is as deep as it long, and is perfectly adapted for eating large seeds.
“Darwin’s finches” is the collective name given to a group of thirteen species of small birds that live in the Galapagos Archipelago. In reality there are fourteen of them. The 14th Darwin finch species inhabits Cocos Island, a small offshore island that belongs to Costa Rica in Central America. The importance these small birds represent for science is immense. No other group of animals has had a bigger impact on our understanding of the evolutionary process. These relatively dull and inconspicuous birds are one the best examples of adaptive radiation. From a single common ancestor that arrived to Galapagos somewhere back in time, thirteen species have evolved. Each one of these species fits into its own particular ecological niche and evolved as a result of isolation and a peculiar lack of predators. It is really fascinating to notice the variable shapes and sizes of the different beaks adapted to the particular needs of each finch species. It is not easy to identify these birds. Michael Harris, a renowned bird watcher and author says, in his book “A Field Guide to the Birds of Galapagos”, at the end of the chapter on Darwin’s finches that “It is only a very wise man or a fool who thinks he is able to identify all the finches which he sees”. However, with patience and a little bit of practice we become wiser and commit fewer mistakes in finch identification. These famous birds are almost all identifiable by their characteristic beaks. In some places, identification can be done by distribution. In yet other cases, when identification is especially difficult, and to avoid committing mistakes, I simply say that the bird in question is a Darwin finch, a wonderful example of evolution!
The one pictured here is the largest of the ground finches, the large billed ground finch (Geospiza magnirrostris). Its disproportionately large beak easily identifies this bird. This beautifully designed beak is as deep as it long, and is perfectly adapted for eating large seeds.
