cactus finch

Description:

Probably descendent from ground finches are the cactus finches, being more similar in coloration and distribution. The male cactus finches are mostly black, with probing bills; the females are streaked, like the ground finches. The Small cactus finch (Geospiza scandens) is found in the central islands except Fernandina, despite the presence of prickly pear cactus there (the volcanic activity of Fernandina may account for this absence). The Large cactus finch (G. conirostris) is more limited, found only on Española, Genovesa, Darwin and Wolf. Both finches are found on the large prickly pear cactus of the Galápagos, eating the small insects in the flowers or the fruit itelf.