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Photo.Keely | all galleries >> Travel >> Galápagos > Galápagos Mockingbird (Mimus parvulus)
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23-NOV-2012 Dick Keely

Galápagos Mockingbird (Mimus parvulus)

Rabida Island, Galapagos Islands

The Galápagos Mockingbird (Mimus parvulus) is a species of bird in the Mimidae family. It is endemic to the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. It descended from the Ecuadorian Long-tailed Mockingbird. There are three other species of mockingbirds found on the Galápagos Islands, but the Galápagos Mockingbird is the first one that was found in Darwin’s trip to the islands in 1835. They had a greater influence than any other animal on Darwin’s theory of evolution when he arrived there because it was the first species that Darwin noticed distinct differences among when he looked from island to island. It is easily spotted on the Galápagos Islands due to its feathers which are streaked brown and gray, long tail, and smaller size, and black, angled beak. The bird has a darker color than other mockingbirds on the islands causing it to blend in with the coral sand of the islands that it mainly inhabits. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. Like other mockingbirds it is omnivorous, but it is more predatory than the related species in South America. It preys on small lava lizards, insects, centipedes, carrion, seabird eggs, and young finches. It will also devour any food left out by people visiting the islands. It has a very clear call that sometimes varies, but unlike other mockingbirds, Galápagos mockingbirds are not mimics. Although they can fly, they are known to be seen running around more than flying which has led to comparisons to road-runners. Reference Wikipedia

Nikon D800E ,AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
1/400s f/10.0 at 300.0mm iso1600 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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Milan Vogrin09-Feb-2013 22:55
Nice bird and photo. V!
laine09-Jan-2013 19:32
How lovely...Happy New Year Linda !!
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