Common Cactus-Finch
Geospiza scandens
Silhouette: Ryan Cupo · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderPasseriformes (Perching Birds)
- FamilyThraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
- GenusGeospiza (Ground-Finches and Cactus-Finches)
- SpeciesGeospiza scandens (Common Cactus-Finch)
About the Common Cactus-Finch
The common cactus finch or small cactus finch (Geospiza scandens) is a species of bird in the Darwin's finch group of the tanager family Thraupidae. It is endemic to the Galapagos Islands, where it is found on most islands, with the notable exception of Fernandina, Española, Genovesa, Darwin and Wolf. Most of these islands are inhabited by its close relative, the Española cactus finch.
Its natural habitats are dry scrubland and woodland. It is often closely associated with the cactus Opuntia. The common cactus finch is one of nine species in the genus Geospiza, part of a group of closely related species known as Darwin's finches. There are four recognized subspecies: G. s. abingdoni is found on Pinta.
G. s. intermedia is found on Santa Fé, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Isabela and Pinzón. G. s. rothschildi is found on Marchesa. G. s. scandens is found on Santiago and Rábida. Found in the arid zone of many of the islands in the Galápagos, the common cactus finch is rarely far from areas of Opuntia cactus. Swash, Andy; Still, Rob (2005). Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galápagos Islands (2nd ed.). London: Christopher... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Common Cactus-Finch in Galápagos Islands
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Galápagos Islands
Small Ground-Finch
Geospiza fuliginosa
Medium Ground-Finch
Geospiza fortis
Large Ground-Finch
Geospiza magnirostris
Española Cactus-Finch
Geospiza conirostris
Genovesa Cactus-Finch
Geospiza propinqua
Genovesa Ground-Finch
Geospiza acutirostris
Vampire Ground-Finch
Geospiza septentrionalis
Sharp-beaked Ground-Finch
Geospiza difficilis
Small Tree-Finch
Camarhynchus parvulus
Grey Warbler-Finch
Certhidea fusca
Woodpecker Finch
Camarhynchus pallidus
Green Warbler-Finch
Certhidea olivacea
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galápagos Islands | 🇪🇨 Ecuador |
More parks will be added in future updates.
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Common Cactus-Finch in Galápagos Islands?
About 20% of wildlife watchers report a Common Cactus-Finch sighting in Galápagos Islands, based on 2,476 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Common Cactus-Finch in Galápagos Islands?
May has the highest sighting rate for Common Cactus-Finch in Galápagos Islands in our monthly data.