Galapagos Species Database

Taxon category: Accepted

Syn.: Nesomimus melanotis Gould, 1837 (Integrated Taxonomic Information System, 2021)

Origin: Endemic

Preference for an altitude zone in Galapagos: Dry zone - humid zone

Habitat preferences: Occupies the whole range of habitats from the coast to the highlands but some woodlands are not used.

Feeding preferences: Feeding from arthropods from the ground, centipedes, crabs, lizards, but also observed swallowing a wide variety af fleshy fruits. Seeds in feces make it a possible disperser of Galápagos as well as introduced plants. They occasionally peck on iguanas for ticks.

Trophic role: Omnivorous

Reproduction mode: Exclusively sexual

Reproductive biology: Does not exhibit cooperative breeding. Terr itories are occupied by a single pair, occasionally with another adult.

Distribution origin: In common with all other Mimus, this species is closely related to species from North America and the Caribbean, rather than species from South America, indicating long distance dispersal.

Distribution: Present on San Cristobal Island. An estimated 5000 to 8000 individuals on all the islands but no data available on trends.

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