Large tree-finch  (Camarhynchus psittacula)

Description

The large tree-finch is one of thirteen finch species endemic to the Galapagos Islands, collectively known as Darwin’s finches, which each possess markedly different bill shapes and sizes (3). Such differences helped Charles Darwin to formulate his theory of evolution, and provide some of the most convincing evidence for “evolution in action” (2). This species possesses a large, powerful bill, with a thick base and a markedly down-curved culmen (3) (4). The male can be readily distinguished from the female by the black colouration of the head, shoulders and chest, which develops over the course of several annual moults (3) (5). Otherwise, both sexes possess uniform, dull olive-green plumage (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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