The Floreana mockingbird or the Charles Island mockingbird, is a species of bird in the family Mimidae. It was endemic to Floreana, one of the Galápagos Islands, but now is found only on two nearby islets, Campeón and Gardner-near-Floreana. The Floreana mockingbird is also known as Darwin's mockingbird, as it was the arguable inspiration for Charles Darwin's work on the origins of species; he noticed distinct differences between them and previous species he had encountered and consequently established the existence of other variants on neighboring islands.
Region
Galápagos Islands
Typical Environment
Currently confined to the small islets of Champion and Gardner-near-Floreana off the coast of Floreana. It occupies arid coastal scrub, lava fields with sparse shrubs, and areas dominated by prickly-pear cactus (Opuntia). The species forages primarily on the ground and in low vegetation. Historically it occurred across Floreana Island, and reintroduction efforts are being developed to restore it to the main island.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Once widespread on Floreana (Charles) Island, this species now survives naturally only on the tiny nearby islets of Champion and Gardner-near-Floreana due to introduced predators and habitat change. It is a cooperative breeder, with groups helping to raise young, and it forages boldly on the ground. The species played a notable role in shaping Darwin’s thinking about island diversification. Intensive conservation and reintroduction planning are ongoing.
Temperament
bold and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Forms small cooperative groups that defend territories and assist in rearing young. Nests are built low in shrubs or cacti; breeding is closely tied to seasonal rainfall. Pairs are monogamous within a season, with helpers often being offspring from previous broods.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied series of chatters, trills, and rich warbling phrases. Includes mimicry of other local sounds, interspersed with harsh scolds used in territorial defense.
Plumage
Grey-brown upperparts with fine streaking, pale underparts with dusky streaks on the breast, and a long tail with white edges. Wings show pale bars and white patches visible in flight.
Diet
Takes insects, spiders, and other invertebrates from the ground and low vegetation. Also consumes fruits and nectar of cacti and shrubs. Opportunistically scavenges carrion and may take eggs or small nestlings of seabirds on the islets.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open scrub, coastal strand vegetation, and lava flats with scattered shrubs and cacti. Often feeds on the ground, probing leaf litter and crevices, and occasionally ascends low branches for fruit and nectar.
