The Genovesa cactus finch is a species of bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is one of Darwin's finches, and is endemic to the Galápagos islands, Ecuador, where it is restricted to Genovesa Island.
Region
Galápagos Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Genovesa, a low, arid island dominated by Opuntia cactus stands, coastal scrub, and lava fields. It frequents cactus thickets, dry shrublands, and edges of open areas, often near colonies of seabirds where vegetation is sparse. Nesting and foraging are closely tied to the availability of Opuntia flowers and fruits. The species’ entire extent of occurrence is confined to this single island, making it vulnerable to habitat shifts and invasive species.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Genovesa cactus finch is one of Darwin’s finches, famous for illustrating adaptive radiation in the Galápagos. It has a particularly deep, powerful bill adapted to feeding on Opuntia cactus flowers, fruits, and seeds, as well as small invertebrates. Formerly treated as a subspecies of the Large Cactus Finch, it is now often recognized as a distinct species restricted to Genovesa Island. Its tameness is typical of Galápagos birds, but its tiny range makes it sensitive to ecological change.
Temperament
social and relatively tame
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Often forages in small loose groups outside the breeding season, concentrating around fruiting cacti. Breeding is monogamous; males sing to defend small territories and display from prominent perches or cactus tops. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in shrubs or Opuntia, where spines may offer some protection from predators.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a simple series of clear, buzzy trills and short chirped phrases repeated from exposed perches. Calls include sharp cheeps and metallic ticks used to keep contact within loose foraging groups.
Plumage
Males are uniformly sooty to black with a glossy sheen; females are brownish with heavy streaking on the underparts and a paler, streaked back. Both sexes show a very deep, heavy-based finch bill with a slightly curved culmen. Plumage is plain overall, emphasizing the massive bill and subtle streaking in females.
Diet
Feeds extensively on Opuntia cactus resources, including nectar, flowers, pulp, and seeds, using its powerful bill to pry and crush. Supplements with small arthropods gleaned from cactus pads, shrubs, and the ground, especially during nesting when protein needs are higher. Will also take other seeds and occasional soft fruits when available.
Preferred Environment
Most often around stands of Opuntia cacti, coastal scrub, and open lava flats with scattered shrubs. Forages both on the ground and in low vegetation, frequently clambering over cactus pads to access flowers and fruits.
