Galapagos Small Ground Finch

Name: Small Ground Finch
Family: Thraupidae
Scientific Name: Geospiza fuliginosa
Length: 11 cm (4.3 in)
Weight: 12-17 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 smallest, most compact ground finch with a rather dainty, short, pointed bill, the culmen being slightly curved. ADULT MALE: Wholly black with white-tipped undertail-coverts. FEMALE / IMMATURE: Brown with streaked underparts.

© Image by Peter Wilton via Flickr