Galapagos Species Database

Taxon category: Accepted

Syn.: Camarhynchus crassirostris Gould, 1837; Camarhynchus variegatus (Sclater & Salvin, 1870).

Origin: Endemic

Habitat preferences: This species occurs on all the main islands that support highland vegetation, however it does not occur in the humid forest area but prefers the transition zone and lower agricultural zone.

Feeding preferences: Mainly feeds in trees on soft seeds, buds, blossoms, fruits and leaves but also occasionally on the ground on herbaceous leaves and fallen fruits.

Trophic role: Herbivorous

Reproductive biology: Male displays in front of a dome shape nest. Once chosen, the pair either use this nest – or build a new one. Only females are incubating (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: All islands, except Santa Fe, Baltra, Seymour, Darwin, Wolf, Genovesa, Espanola.

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