Galapagos Species Database

Taxon category: Accepted

Syn.: Cactospiza heliobates (Snodgras & Heller, 1901); Geospiza heliobates Snodgras & Heller, 1901

Origin: Endemic

Preference for an altitude zone in Galapagos: Coastal zone

Habitat preferences: Mixed mangroves with red (Rhizophora mangle), black (Avicennia germinans) and white (Laguncularia racemosa) mangrove trees preferred for both foraging and nesting.

Trophic role: Carnivorous

Reproduction mode: Exclusively sexual

Reproductive biology: Always nests in the outermost branches of the canopy of black (Avicennia germinans) and white (Laguncularia racemosa) mangrove trees and show a pronounced preference for the very high branches of black mangrove where available,. Red mangroves are an important feeding substrate but not used for nesting. Male displays in front of a dome shape nest. Once chosen, the pair either use this nest or build a new one. Only females incubate (two to three eggs), both feed the chicks. Fledglings stay for up to 6 weeks with a parent, either with the male while the female starts a new clutch, or, one with the female and the other with the male.

Distribution: Present on Playa Tortuga Negra, Caleta Black and Cartago on Isabela Island. Extinct on Fernandina.

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