The large ground finch is a species of bird in the genus Geospiza. One of Darwin's finches, it is now placed in the tanager family Thraupidae and was formerly in the Emberizidae. It is the largest species of Darwin's finch.
Region
Galápagos Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs on several islands of the Galápagos, chiefly in arid and semi-arid zones. Prefers open scrub, lava fields with sparse shrubs, and woodland edges where tough-seeded plants are common. It also uses Opuntia cactus zones and can be seen near human settlements foraging on spilled seeds. Nests and foraging occur mostly in the lowlands but it will range into slightly more humid upland fringes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The large ground finch is the largest of Darwin’s finches, with a massive bill adapted to crack the hardest seeds. Its dramatic bill size is a classic example of adaptive radiation in the Galápagos. During droughts it can switch to alternative foods, showcasing remarkable flexibility. It was historically placed with buntings but is now treated as a tanager (family Thraupidae).
Temperament
generally confiding and moderately social
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forages in loose groups, often mixed with other ground finches. During breeding, males defend small territories and advertise with song from exposed perches. Nests are typically domed structures placed in shrubs or low trees; clutches are small and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The song is a short series of simple, repeated notes or trills delivered from a perch. Calls include sharp chips and churrs used for contact and alarm. Vocalizations vary subtly among islands.
Plumage
Males are uniform black with a slight gloss; females and immatures are brown with heavy streaking and a paler underside. Feathers appear plain without strong patterning except for the female’s streaks.
Diet
Primarily consumes hard seeds, which it cracks with its powerful bill, including Tribulus and other tough-seeded plants. It supplements with fruits, cactus pulp and seeds, and occasionally takes insects and larvae. In lean periods it widens its diet to softer plant material and invertebrates. Around settlements it may pick at spilled grain or food scraps.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly on the ground and in low shrubs in open, dry habitats. Often forages along paths, lava flats, and scrubby edges where seed-bearing plants are abundant. Will also exploit Opuntia zones and ecotones between arid scrub and moister vegetation.
