Small Ground-finch
Geospiza fuliginosa
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Small Ground-finch is a compact bird with a rounded body and short tail. Males are predominantly black or dark grey, with a distinctive thick, rounded beak. Their plumage is uniform, lacking any striking markings.
Females differ significantly, displaying brown-grey upperparts and buff underparts with streaking. Juveniles resemble females but may have a paler beak. Seasonal plumage changes are minimal in this species.
Size
Length
10cm to 11cm
Wingspan
16cm to 18cm
Weight
11g to 14g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Endemic to the Galápagos Islands, the Small Ground-finch is found on most islands in the archipelago. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including arid lowlands, scrublands, and woodland edges.
Their distribution remains relatively constant throughout the year, with no significant seasonal movements.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,700 meters
Climate zones
Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Small Ground-finch. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Whilst not exceptionally agile in flight, the Small Ground-finch demonstrates good manoeuvrability in terrestrial movements, with characteristic hopping behaviour and ability to navigate through low vegetation and varied terrain.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Though small in stature, this finch possesses sufficient strength for its size, particularly in its thick, rounded beak which effectively cracks seeds. However, its overall strength is modest compared to larger bird species.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Remarkably adaptable, as evidenced by its presence across various Galápagos habitats from arid lowlands to woodlands. The species shows notable evolutionary adaptability through beak variations between islands, demonstrating excellent environmental plasticity.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Displays moderate aggression, primarily during breeding season when males establish and defend territories. Otherwise generally peaceful, often foraging in small groups without significant conflict.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Shows decent endurance in daily activities, capable of sustained foraging and maintaining breeding territories. Their resident status and ability to thrive in challenging Galápagos conditions suggests reasonable stamina, though not exceptional by avian standards.
Diet
The Small Ground-finch primarily feeds on seeds, particularly those of grasses and low-growing plants. They also consume small insects and nectar when available.
Their strong, rounded beak is well-adapted for cracking open seeds and manipulating food items on the ground.
Behaviour
Small Ground-finches are primarily terrestrial, hopping along the ground in search of food. They often forage in small groups, pecking at seeds and insects.
During the breeding season, males become territorial and perform simple courtship displays, perching prominently and singing to attract mates.
Vocalisation
The Small Ground-finch has a simple but persistent song, consisting of a series of short, high-pitched notes often described as 'tseep-tseep-tseep'.
Their call is a short, sharp 'chip'. During courtship, males may sing continuously from exposed perches to attract mates.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season, which can vary depending on the island but often falls between December and May. Males establish territories and attract females through song and simple displays.
Nests are dome-shaped structures built in low bushes or cacti, constructed from grasses, twigs, and other plant fibres. Females typically lay 2-4 eggs, which are white with brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 12 days, with both parents sharing duties. Nestlings fledge after approximately two weeks, but parents continue to feed them for several more weeks after leaving the nest.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Small Ground-finch is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat degradation and introduced predators on the Galápagos Islands.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving native ecosystems and controlling invasive species to protect this and other endemic bird populations.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them on the ground in open areas of the Galápagos Islands
- Observe their thick, rounded beaks, a key identifying feature
- Listen for their simple, repetitive songs during the breeding season
- Watch for their characteristic hopping movement while foraging
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Little Ground-finch
Family:
ThraupidaeAverage Lifespan
5 to 10 years
Max Lifespan
15 years [4]
Predators
Main predators include introduced species such as rats, cats, and smooth-billed anis, as well as native Galápagos hawks and short-eared owls.
Did You Know?
- The Small Ground-finch is one of Darwin's famous finches, crucial to the development of his theory of evolution.
- Their beak shape can vary slightly between islands, demonstrating rapid evolutionary adaptation.
- Despite their name, they occasionally feed on flowers and leaves in trees.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Geospiza fuliginosa. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22723739A263311084.
View source - 2 4
report, 1996: Stotz et al.
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