Galapagos Medium Ground Finch Facts

Name: Medium Ground Finch
Family: Thraupidae
Scientific Name: Geospiza fortis
Length: 12.5 cm (4.9 in)
Weight: 18-32 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:
Intermediate between Small and Large Ground finch in size. Whilst the size of the bill is very variable, it is never as dainty or as pointed as Small Ground and, unlike in Large Ground, the length of the upper mandible is always greater than the depth of the bill. ADULT MALE: Wholly black with white-tipped undertail-coverts. FEMALE / IMMATURE: Brown with streaked underparts.

Galapagos Medium Ground Finch