Española Mockingbird, Galapagos by David Whited

Española Mockingbird, Galapagos

David Whited

Española Mockingbird, Galapagos

Digital photography

Inv: PH-1644

The Española mockingbird (*Mimus macdonaldi*) is the largest and most aggressive of the four Galápagos mockingbird species, found only on Española Island and its nearby islets, making it one of the most range-restricted birds in the archipelago; it has a notably longer, more curved bill than its relatives, which it uses to feed on an unusually varied diet that includes insects, seeds, carrion, seabird eggs, and even the blood of injured or weakened animals — a scavenging behavior rare among songbirds. It's a cooperative breeder, with offspring from previous years often helping their parents raise new chicks, and while its total population is small, it's considered stable within its limited range, though its restriction to a single island leaves it vulnerable to introduced predators, disease, or environmental disturbance.

Email Facebook X LinkedIn Pinterest

From David Whited

Blue-booby, Galapagos

Digital photography
Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Digital photography
American Flamingo, Galapagos

Digital photography
Galapagos Giant Saddleback Tortoise, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

Digital photography
Galapagos Giant Saddleback Tortoise, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

Digital photography
Eastern Screech-Owl

Digital photography
Bobcat

Digital photography
Buffalo Family, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Digital photography

View All Artworks

Additional Details

Additional Artworks

Blue-booby, Galapagos

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

American Flamingo, Galapagos

Galapagos Giant Saddleback Tortoise, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

Galapagos Giant Saddleback Tortoise, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

Eastern Screech-Owl

Bobcat

Buffalo Family, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming