There are six species of mockingbirds in South America. The Galapagos mockingbird is closely related to the "long-tailed mockingbird" found in Ecuador and Peru. In the Galapagos Archipelago there are 4 endemic species. The one shown in today's picture is the "Española" or "Hood mockingbird" (Nesomimus macdonaldi).
One of the most interesting facts about their behavior is called cooperative breeding . Mockingbirds form groups consisting of a breeding male and female, plus the offspring of previous broods. These young birds are known as the "helpers" (males of 1 to 2 years old), and they remain in their natal territories helping their parents to defend the territory and bringing food to the chicks. The helpers may continue to help their parents raise the siblings for up to 3 years, rather than attempt to breed themselves because it is very difficult for a young bird to find a mate, set up a territory, and start breeding.
Territories are close together and the males are attacked when they enter into another territory (females are accepted), so it is better for them to remain in their parents' territory. They can help to extend it and eventually they could have all the territory or part of it. During the non-breeding season these family groups stay together and defend the territory. This species is the largest and the most curious of the mockingbird species that occur in Galapagos. Española mockingbirds are found only on Española. They can be told apart from the other species by their longer and curved beak. Today, during our visit to this striking island, this highly curious bird was the amusement and delight of our visitors. Some mockingbirds were following us during the walk, some were even trying to sneak into the backpacks!
