Woodpecker Finch

Sister species of the Mangrove Finch (Geospiza heliobates) (Lamichhaney et al., 2015). Previously included in the genus Camarhynchus, but Lamichhaney et al. (2015) demonstrated that this genus is embedded in Geospiza. Well known for using sticks as tools to extract larvae from tree bark. Prefers Scalesia sp. forests, although it can also be found in dry and agricultural areas. It has very subtle sexual dimorphism, both sexes are very similar, except for some males from San Cristóbal that acquire a black hood. It is easily distinguished from other finches by its medium size, long and robust bill, with a length equivalent to twice its width. It has three subspecies, with the nominal being the largest and most uniform, while G. p. producta and G. p. striatipecta are smaller, the latter with more noticeable ventral markings.

Geographic Distribution: G. p. pallida inhabits Santa Cruz, Floreana, Santiago, Rábida, Pinzón, Baltra, and Santa Fé; G. p. producta inhabits Isabela and Fernandina; G. p. striatipecta inhabits San Cristóbal (Jaramillo et al., 2020b).

Description extracted from: La Grotteria (2023).

REFERENCES

La Grotteria, J. 2023. Identificación, comentarios y registros personales de pinzones de Darwin. Referencia Orientativa.