San Cristobal Mockingbird
Where to Look
- San Cristobal Highlands
Similar Galapagos Species
Galapagos Mockingbird
Identification
The only mockingbird found on San Cristobal.
Description
A short-billed Galapagos Mockingbird with grey-brown upperparts, whitish underparts, black ear coverts and malar stripe, a sometimes indistinct light supercilium, brown wash to its chest and limited markings on the side of its breast and flanks. Juveniles are more streaked than adults and males are slightly larger than females.
Galapagos Distribution
Endemic to San Cristobal Island.
Global Distribution
Endemic to the Galapagos.
Status in the Galapagos
A fairly common, localised endemic resident.
Conservation
With a population of roughly 8000 individuals, this restricted range species is undergoing population decline and is listed as endangered by the IUNC. This decline is largely caused by predation by intruduced species such as black rats and feral cats. The introduced parasitic fly Philornis downsi is likely lowering breeding success rates. The species is also threatened by avian malaria carried by introduced mosquitos and a variety of other diseases associated with chicken farming on the island.