Woodpecker Finch
Where to Look
- San Cristobal Highlands
- Santa Cruz Highlands
- Urbina Bay
Similar Galapagos Species
Mangrove Finch
Identification
Distinguished from highly localised and rare Mangrove finch by lighter overall plumage, larger size and bill and less distinct streaking on breast.
Description
A non-descript overall sandy brown finch with a fairly long bill – roughly twice as long as it is deep. On most islands, both males and females have very faint to virtually no streaking on their underparts. On San Cristobal however, individuals often have rather extensive streaking on their breast and flanks. Breeding males have black bills while females have dull orange bills. Non-breeding males have a pale lower mandible. Females are usually buffier than males.
Galapagos Distribution
Occurs on all islands in the main archipelagos except Marcheana, Genovesa and Espanola.
Global Distribution
Endemic to the Galapagos.
Status in the Galapagos
Widespread, locally common endemic resident.
Conservation
Although locally common and widespread, this species is ranked as ‘vulnerable’, a status asighned to it as recently as 2015. This uplisting came in the face of a dramatic population decline of roughly 50% on Santa Cruz island. There is no information on population trends on other islands, but a similar decrease is likely. Current conservation threats include the prevelance of avian pox in agricultural zones on Santa Cruz.