The Española mockingbird, also known as the Hood mockingbird, is a species of bird in the family Mimidae. It is endemic to Española Island in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, and it is one of four closely related mockingbird species endemic to the Galápagos archipelago. It is found in dry forests and is omnivorous, though it primarily is a carnivore or scavenger. The species has a highly territorial social structure and has no fear of humans. It is the only species of Galápagos mockingbird that Charles Darwin did not see or collect on the voyage of HMS Beagle.
Region
Galápagos Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Española Island and adjacent islets such as Gardner and Osborn. It occupies arid coastal scrub, open lava fields with scattered shrubs, and beaches near large seabird colonies. Nesting typically occurs in dense shrubs or Opuntia cacti. During the dry season, groups range widely between scrub, beaches, and colony edges to exploit patchy food and water sources.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Hood mockingbird, it is restricted to Española (Hood) Island and nearby islets in the Galápagos. It lives in cooperative family groups and is famously bold, often approaching people in search of water. Although omnivorous, it frequently scavenges and raids nests near seabird colonies. It is the only Galápagos mockingbird Charles Darwin did not see during the Beagle voyage.
An Española mockingbird attempting to drink from a tourist's water bottle
Temperament
bold, social, and highly territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Lives in cooperative breeding groups that defend year‑round territories. A dominant pair typically breeds while helpers assist with territory defense and feeding young. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in shrubs or cacti; groups coordinate sentinel behavior and aggressive mobbing of intruders.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a varied series of chatters, harsh scolds, and whistles interspersed with softer warbles. Vocalizations are loud and persistent during territorial encounters, with limited mimicry compared to mainland mockingbirds.
