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There are 56 indigenous bird species in the Galapagos islands. Forty-five species of Galapagos birds are unique to the archipelago. Twenty-nine additional species of migratory birds fly over the islands. Birds of the enchanted isles include shorebirds, land birds, and marine birds.
6 Galapagos Birds: Learning About the Local Fauna
The most giant bird in the Galapagos is the Galapagos albatross, Phoebastria irrorata, formerly the waved albatross. They can weigh up to 11 pounds and have a wingspan of 7 to 8 feet. The only place where albatrosses breed is Española Island. Every year, these incredible Galapagos birds mate with the same spouse. Parents, both male and female, assist in raising their children.
The blue-footed boobies, or Sula nebouxii as they are scientifically known, are the most well-known birds of the Galapagos. Despite being incredibly graceful divers, they get their name from how awkwardly they walk on land. Seymour Island is one of their most significant breeding places, and they are found across the archipelago, including Genovesa Island, a key stop on the Origin of Species Northeast Cruise aboard Yacht La Pinta.
Darwin’s finches, a group of tanagers in the Geospizinae subfamily, consist of 14 species. Each species of finch has adapted physically to the available food in their habitat. The vast ground finch has evolved a strong beak, while the small tree sparrow is adept at insect hunting.
The swallow-tailed gull, or Creagrus furcatus, is unique as the only nocturnal gull in the world. They feed on fish and squid that come to the ocean’s surface at night. These birds are commonly found nesting on rocky ledges and cliffs across all islands.
Melissa Altamirano
Eduardo Silva
Carolina Escobar
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Melissa Altamirano
Eduardo Silva
Carolina Escobar
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The frigatebirds are the aerial pirates of the Galapagos. The magnificent and superb frigatebirds, known for their wide wingspans, are excellent fliers and have a unique feeding strategy of stealing fish from other birds.
