Birds

Galapagos Albino Finch

April 7, 2012 by Renato 4 Comments

I am not an ornithologist but this albino finch got my attention.  I suspect that it is an incomplete albino since there is some pigmentation near the face, beak, and feet.  I suspect that this finch belongs to the Woodpecker family from the shape of the beak but I welcome any other comments.

I first saw it on the ground along with some male Medium Ground Finches, and then he fled to the nearest tree while the other birds flew further leaving him behind.  When he landed on the tree his woodpecker behavior became a little more apparent and his beak shape convinced me of his type.

I found him near “Los Gemelos” at approximate 600 m.a.s.l. on Santa Cruz Island. This is one of the highest areas of the island where the endemic Scalesia trees are covered with moss and epiphytes.  I have seen many Woodpecker Finches in this area so it would seem this is one of the best places where such a strange bird could be found.

If you want more information on birding Galapagos  go here:  Galapagos Birdwatching

Written by Renato
Renato was born in Quito, Ecuador and quickly flew to the USA to learn all about engineering and climbing company ladders. After getting his engineering degree from the University of Minnesota he worked in the Standard-American-Rat-Race-Company for fifteen years. After climbing the ladder to where he could no longer see the ground, he decided to jump off the ladder and migrate south like all normal birds do. To his surprise home did not look like it did when he left as a young fledgling; the towns were bigger, most of his friends had nests of their own, and the countryside was changed. Shocked by all the change he searched for a new life and a new wife. He stumbled across a vivacious young chick who would accompany him inside a volcanic crater to set up a love nest. So, after eight years of nesting inside the crater a new love for nature and birds has sprung a career in environmental conservation and birding tours. Finally this bird has come home to roost!