Floreana Mockingbird (Mimus trifasciatus) – Endemic to the Galápagos Islands

Appearance

• Head: The Floreana Mockingbird has a distinctive facial pattern with a white supercilium (eyebrow) above its dark eyes, contrasting with its greyish-brown head.
• Body: The body is primarily greyish-brown with a lighter underbelly. The wings and tail are darker with white wing bars and edges on the tail feathers.
• Size: This medium-sized bird measures about 25-28 centimeters (10-11 inches) in length.

Habitat

• The Floreana Mockingbird was originally found on Floreana Island, but due to various threats, it is now confined to the small islets of Champion and Gardner, off the coast of Floreana.
• These mockingbirds inhabit arid shrublands and coastal areas, where they find food and nesting sites.

Diet

• The diet of the Floreana Mockingbird is varied and opportunistic, consisting of insects, spiders, small reptiles, fruits, seeds, and nectar. They are also known to scavenge on carrion and seabird eggs.
• Their diverse diet allows them to adapt to the limited resources available on their small island habitats.

Behavior

• Floreana Mockingbirds are highly social birds, often seen in small family groups. They exhibit cooperative breeding behaviors, where several individuals help raise the young of a single pair.
• These birds are known for their inquisitive nature and are relatively fearless of humans, often approaching visitors out of curiosity.

Vocalizations

• Their vocalizations include a range of melodious songs and harsh calls, used for communication within their social groups and to defend their territory.

Conservation Status

• The Floreana Mockingbird is classified as critically endangered due to its extremely limited range and small population size. Major threats include habitat loss, introduced predators, and environmental changes.
• Conservation efforts are focused on habitat restoration, controlling invasive species, and potential reintroduction to Floreana Island to increase their population and range.