The 13 species of Darwin Finch are found throughout the Galápagos. No other species have had a more profound impact on man’s understanding of the inter-relationships between species, including himself. The finches are dull brown to black birds, differentiated by their preferred habitat; each species of Galápagos finch has a different beak adapted to the type of food available in its chosen habitat.

The cactus ground finch feeds primarily on the flowers of the Opuntia cactus, and to this end has developed a long downcurved beak. The flowers of the cactus leave a dusting of yellow pollen around the beak and face of the bird. This finch also nests in the Opuntia cactus whereas the other finches nest in trees. Given its dependence on the Opuntia cactus it is not surprising to find that the cactus ground finch is found in the arid zone on all the major islands except Floreana.

I found the finches difficult to photograph. Most do not stay in one place for long and their drab coloration allows them to blend in very well with their surroundings. This particular finch was an exception since it was feeding on an Opuntia cactus located right next to the trail and the elevated boardwalk through the Charles Darwin Research Station put the bird at our eye-level.