Small Ground Finch

Geospiza fuliginosa

Least ConcernUncommonEndemicOmnivoreShrublandDomed nestTiny · 15 g

About the Small Ground Finch

The small ground finch is a species of bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. Endemic to the Galápagos Islands, it is common and widespread in shrubland, woodland, and other habitats on most islands in the archipelago. It commonly feeds on small seeds and parasites from the skins of Galápagos land and marine iguanas and Galápagos tortoises.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The small ground finch is the smallest of the ground finches, measuring 11 cm (4.3 in) in length. Its beak is short and pointed, with a slightly curved culmen. On average, its beak is smaller than that of the medium ground finch, but there is a significant overlap in size between the two, particularly on islands where only one of the two species exists. On islands where the two species compete directly, the difference between their beaks are greater. The male is black with white-tipped undertail coverts, while the female and young are brown with streaked underparts. Voice: The small ground finch's song is rapid and weak and is transcribed as "twichooo-twichooo" or "teur-weee".

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where it lives

Regular range

When to see it

Peak activity in July · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the Small Ground Finch for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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