Darwin's finches are 14 different closely related species of
finches Charles Darwin discovered on the Galapagos Islands.
Darwin's voyage on HMS Beagle, and the finches in
particular, are known to have influenced his thinking so that he
would later produce a basic theory of evolution by natural
selection.
Darwin reasoned that there had to be a common
ancestor. |
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Later, much work was done by Peter and Rosemary Grant. The
birds are all about the same size (10–20 cm). They mainly differ in
the form of the bill. The bill is adapted to the food they eat. The
birds are all brownish or black.
They have short rounded wings and a rounded tail that often
appears cocked to one side. Most male finch mature to a solid
black color, while the females mature to a drab grayish color.
Exceptions are made for the Vegetarian and Tree Finches the
males never become completely black rather they have a black head,
neck and upper breast. Warbler, Woodpecker and Mangrove Finches have
more of an olive color.
Darwin's finches
look very similar; it is the variations in beak structure which
set them apart.
As with the mockingbird, you may want to take a
few finch pictures on several islands and compare them after you
get back. In this case, you'll also want to take some shots in
the different Vegetation Zones within the same island/
specifically on Santa Cruz. Remember to note down the frame
numbers and respective locations. For any kind of success,
you'll need a telephoto lens. |
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