Mystery Darwin Finch

Gallery: AvianPosted February 14, 2013287 views5 comments

I've asked several people who have visited the Galapagos what type of Darwin's Finch this is. No one knows for sure. It is possibly a leucistic individual? Or a hybrid? I photographed him on Santa Cruz island. Anyone care to add thoughts as to ID?

The red feathers under his beak are just because he was eating red berries (and not using his napkin).

Santa Cruz, the Galapagos
Jan 2012
Canon 7D 300mm f4L + 1.4TC
f 5.6
1/800 s
ISO 500

All C&C appreciated!

Comments

5 comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on February 14, 2013 at 6:38 PM

The staff at the Darwin Research Institute in the Galapagos are reported to have said that only God and Peter Grant can correctly identify Darwin's finches.

A partially leucistic bird?

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on February 14, 2013 at 7:05 PM

Never been there, Rebecka, but it's a nice image. Good head turn and I like the dof and the mossy perch.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on February 14, 2013 at 8:29 PM

This is a lovely shot Rebecka, I like the look at the large beak and especially the mossy perch. My best guess is partially lecusitic Medium Tree Finch.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on February 14, 2013 at 10:42 PM

I can not help on the ID but I like the overall composition and setting , well done.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on February 15, 2013 at 8:33 PM

Well done, Rebecka. The moss adds a "homey" feel, while the cute little critter takes center stage. He does need a napkin.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments