Vampire Finch

  • Galapagos Wildlife: Vampire Finch Feeding © Simon Pierce

    Vampire Finch Feeding © Simon Pierce

  • Galapagos Wildlife: Vampire Finch © Simon Pierce

    Vampire Finch © Simon Pierce

  • Galapagos Wildlife: Vampire Finch Rest © Simon Pierce

    Vampire Finch Rest © Simon Pierce

Species Data

Common Name Vampire finch
Scientific Name Geospiza difficilis
Spanish Name Pinzón vampiro
Conservation Status

Galapagos Graphics: IUCN Red List Least Concern © Dan Wright

Least Concern

Endemic/Native/Introduced

Endemic 

Size 10–20 cm length
Average Lifespan Up to 20 years
Predators Cats and rats
Food Omnivore (seeds, fruits, sea birds blood and eggs)
Animal Class Bird

Species Overview

The sharp-beaked ground finch (also known as the vampire finch) is one of Darwin’s finches; a group of 15 birds endemic to the Galapagos Islands that helped Charles Darwin formulate his theory of natural selection. Like other ground finches the male is black and female is brown with streaks. Their sharp beak means their diet can vary enormously, however predominantly eat seeds. On the small island of Wolf and Darwin species have been seen drinking the blood of large sea birds giving them the name ‘vampire finch’. They  also have been seen feeding on sea birds eggs.

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