The Galápagos mockingbird is a species of bird in the family Mimidae. It is endemic to the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
Region
Galápagos Islands
Typical Environment
Widespread on many islands of the Galápagos archipelago, especially in arid coastal and lowland zones. It frequents open scrub with palo santo and Bursera, lava fields dotted with Opuntia cacti, and shorelines with scattered shrubs. It also occurs around human settlements and in dry woodland edges, often foraging on the ground. While most common in dry lowlands, it may range upslope into more humid zones where habitat is open.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Famous for boldly approaching people, the Galápagos mockingbird helped early naturalists notice island-to-island differences among species. It is an opportunistic feeder that will take insects, fruit, and occasionally scavenge, and it can remove parasites from reptiles. Some populations exhibit cooperative breeding with helpers assisting at the nest. As a common lowland bird, it also aids seed dispersal of dry-zone plants such as prickly pear cacti.
Temperament
social and curious
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Often seen in small family groups that defend territories year-round. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in shrubs or cacti; both sexes participate in care, and helpers may assist. They spend much time on the ground, running between cover and perches while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied series of whistles, chatters, and warbles, sometimes incorporating imitations of other local birds. Calls include sharp scolding notes when alarmed and softer chups during group contact.
Plumage
Brownish-grey above with darker streaking, pale buff to whitish underparts with fine streaks on the breast, and a long tail with white edges. The wings show pale bars and the face has a prominent white supercilium. Feathers appear slightly loose-textured, giving a softly streaked look.
Diet
Takes insects, spiders, and other invertebrates gleaned from ground and shrubs. Also eats fruits and nectar, especially from cacti and dry-zone shrubs, and will scavenge carrion or food scraps near colonies and settlements. Occasionally raids eggs or takes small vertebrate remains, and may pick parasites from reptiles.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open scrub, beaches, and lava fields with scattered vegetation, often around Opuntia cacti and low bushes. Common near seabird colonies and human areas where it opportunistically exploits available food.
