The common cactus finch or small cactus finch is a species of bird in the Darwin's finch group of the tanager family Thraupidae. It is endemic to the Galapagos Islands, where it is found on most islands, with the notable exception of Fernandina, Española, Genovesa, Darwin and Wolf. Most of these islands are inhabited by its close relative, the Española cactus finch.
Region
Galápagos Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occupies the arid and coastal zones of many Galápagos islands where Opuntia cacti are abundant. It frequents dry scrub, lava fields with scattered cacti, open woodland edges, and coastal thickets. The species is less common in the cooler, humid highlands, favoring sun-exposed, sparsely vegetated areas. Around settlements it may forage in open spaces and along roadsides where cactus and seeds are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of Darwin’s finches, the common cactus finch has a longer, slightly decurved bill adapted to feeding on Opuntia cactus flowers and fruit. Males often appear dusted with yellow or orange around the bill during cactus bloom from adhering pollen. It can hybridize with related finches on some islands, which has been important for studies of evolution and natural selection. Despite living in arid habitats, it obtains much water from cactus tissues.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forages in small groups or loose mixed flocks with other finches. During breeding, males sing from exposed perches and defend small territories centered on nesting and feeding sites. Nests are dome-shaped or cup-like and placed in shrubs or cacti; pairs are typically seasonally monogamous.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of short, buzzy trills and wheezy, variable phrases repeated from a perch. Calls include sharp chips and thin tseet notes used to keep contact within foraging groups.
Plumage
Males are mostly uniform dark sooty-black with a smooth, matte appearance; females are brown with heavy streaking on the underparts and mottled upperparts.
Diet
Feeds extensively on Opuntia cactus flowers, nectar, fruit, and seeds, using its decurved bill to probe and peel. Supplements its diet with small insects and other arthropods gleaned from cactus pads and nearby vegetation. It also takes fallen seeds and occasionally soft fruits when available. During dry periods, cactus tissues provide both food and moisture.
Preferred Environment
Forages on and around Opuntia cacti, in arid scrub and along coastal flats. Often searches the ground beneath cacti for fallen seeds and fruit pieces, and probes flowers directly for nectar.
