Medium Tree Finch
A species of Tree Finches Scientific name : Camarhynchus pauper Genus : Tree Finches
Medium Tree Finch, A species of Tree Finches
Botanical name: Camarhynchus pauper
Genus: Tree Finches
Content
Description General Info
Description
The medium tree finch (Camarhynchus pauper) is a critically endangered species of bird in the Darwin's finch group of the tanager family Thraupidae. It is endemic to the Galápagos Islands where it is only found on Floreana Island. Its name is derived from the fact that the bird's beak is intermediate in size between that of the small tree finch and the large tree finch. Because it has a very small range on a single island, and because of the introduction of a parasitic fly which kills the nestlings, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated the medium tree finch as "critically endangered".
Size
13 cm
Feeding Habits
Medium Tree Finch consumes mainly small arthropods, supplemented with young buds, nectar, and leaves. It forages by probing bark crevices and branches, as well as searching under foliage. Medium Tree Finch also gleans food items from leaves and twigs.
Habitat
The medium Tree Finch is typically found in montane evergreen and tropical deciduous forests. Its preferred habitat includes forested regions as well as humid scrub areas in the Scalesia zone. The species is known to seasonally migrate downslope into drier regions during its non-breeding season.
Dite type
Insectivorous
General Info
Distribution Area
This species is only found on Floreana Island at elevations above 250 meters in moist highland forest habitats. Prime breeding habitat is dominated by Scalesia pedunculata trees.
Species Status
The medium tree finch is threatened by introduced predators such as rats, mice, cats and the smooth-billed ani, as well as habitat loss, which has occurred through clearance for agriculture. The introduced fly Philornis downsi is a significant threat to the survival of this species. Parasitic larvae of this fly live in the nest material and feed on the blood and body tissues of nestlings. P. downsi causes high nestling mortality in the medium tree finch. Because of this, and because it has a very small range on a single island, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated the medium tree finch as "critically endangered".
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Tanagers Genus
Tree Finches Species
Medium Tree Finch