The Medium Tree-finch (Camarhynchus pauper) is a critically endangered species of bird in the Darwin’s finch group of the tanager family Thraupidae.
Distribution / Range
It is endemic to the Galapagos Islands.
This species is only found on Floreana Island at elevations above 250m in moist highland forest habitat. Prime breeding habitat is dominated by Scalesia pedunculata trees.
Status
It is threatened by habitat loss which has occurred through clearance for agriculture and introduced predators such as rats, mice, cats, and the Smooth-billed Ani. The diurnal Galapagos Short-eared Owl is its only remaining natural predator.
The introduced parasite 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.
Breeding / Nesting
Medium Tree-finches generally lay 2-3 eggs. Eggs are incubated for approximately 12 days, and nestlings are fed by both parents at the nest for approximately 14 days before fledging.
Description
The range of beak sizes of the Medium Tree-finch on Floreana and the Large Tree-finch, Camarhynchus psittacula, on Isabela is roughly the same. This reflects the fact that the two species feed on the same type and size of insect. The beak of the Medium Tree-finch is intermediate in size between the Small Tree-finch and Large Tree-finch.
All three species are found in the same habitat.
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