Woodpecker Finch
NameWoodpecker Finch
Common NameWoodpecker Finch
Scientific NameCamarhynchus pallidus
FamilyThraupidae
Wingspan (cm)19
Length (cm)14.5
Weight (g)25
Plumage DetailsAdults are generally dull olive-brown on the upperparts, often with a streaky appearance on the head and back. Their underparts are paler, typically buffy-white. The bill is yellowish, sometimes with a darker culmen, and the legs are dark.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of simple, high-pitched whistles or trills, often described as a repetitive 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or 'twee-twee-twee' song.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Galapagos Islands, found on several islands including Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, and Pinzón, primarily in humid highland forests and arid lowlands with tall trees.
Identifying FeaturesDrab olive-brown plumage, Relatively long and pointed yellowish bill, Famous for tool-using behavior (using twigs/spines to probe for insects)
Description
The Woodpecker Finch is a medium-sized Darwin's finch, renowned for its unique behavior of using tools like twigs or cactus spines to extract insect larvae from tree bark. It possesses a relatively long, pointed bill, well-suited for its specialized foraging technique.
