Galapagos Large Tree Finch Facts

Name: Large Tree Finch
Family: Thraupidae
Scientific name: Camarhynchus psittacula
Length: 13 cm
Weight: 15-21 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 tree finches with a large, rather parrot-like bill, the tips of the mandibles crossing. ADULT MALE: Head, neck, breast and mantle black when fully mature, the remainder of the upperparts being olive-grey with some dark streaking. Underparts pale, often with a yellow tinge. FEMALE / IMMATURE: Upperparts olive-grown with faint streaking. Underparts paler and virtually unstreaked.