Galapagos mockingbird  (Mimus parvulus)

Description

The limelight may have been stolen by Darwin’s more famous finches, but it was the mockingbirds of the Galapagos that had the greatest early influence on his theory of Natural Selection. Of the four species of mockingbird that occur in the archipelago, the Galapagos mockingbird is by far the most widespread (3). The crown, nape and tail of this mockingbird are blackish brown, while the brown wings are partially tipped with white, and the throat, chest and belly are broadly white, with flecks of brown to the flanks (3) (4). Seven subspecies are currently recognised that differ slightly in overall size, colouration and markings (2) (3).

Darwin Now is the British Council's contribution to the international celebration of the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and the 150 year anniversary of the publication of On The Origin of Species
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