Galapagos Large Ground Finch Facts

Name: Large Ground Finch
Family: Thraupidae
Scientific Name: Geospiza magnirostris
Length: 16 cm
Weight: 27-39 g

Category: Darwin Finches
Number of Species: 13
Endemic Species: 13

Darwin Finches, or Galapagos Finches, are small land birds with generally dull black, brown or olive, often streaky, plumage; short tails; and short, rounded wings. Their bills vary greatly in size and shape (a fact which was instrumental in inspiring Charles Darwin's thinking in relation to the theory of evolution - and hence the name given to this fascinating group of species).

Identification:
The largest of the ground finches with a massive bill, the depth at the base being equal to the length of the upper mandible. ADULT MALE: Wholly black with white-tipped undertail coverts. FEMALE / IMMATURE: Brown with streaked underparts.