top of page

Cocos Island Finch

Physical Characteristics
 

  • The Cocos Island Finch has a length of around 12 cm

  • It weighs 13-16 grams

  • Adult male is completely black including bill, eyes, leg, and feet

    • Only exception is on the vent and undertail-coverts. They are white with black feather centers

  • Adult female is brownish

    • Upperparts, mantle, and back are brown with black feather centers

    • Lower back is cinnamon brown

    • Tail is brown with occasional black feather centers

    • Wings are dark brown

    • Underparts are pale buff with blackish streaks

    • Head is brown an streaked

    • Bill is orange-yellow

    • Leg and feet are black

    • Eyes are dark

Habitat
 

  • Cocos Island Finch is found on Cocos Island

  • It can be found in every habitat on the island

    • This includes that it can be found at any elevation level

    • It is more abundant in the lowlands however

Songs and Calls
 

  • Their calls are similar to other Darwin's FInches

  • They include a "phzzzzz", "phheww", "djrr", and a "tyew."

  • The song is amde up of a "chz-zhweeuu" or "phfft-zheeuu."

Behavior
 

  • They feed on arthropods, nectar, soft fruits, grass seeds, and small lizards

  • There are many different ways for a Finch to forage

  • The Finch is usually seen in pairs or small groups

  • During breeding season, male finches defend their territory only close to the nest

  • Their breeding behavior is not well known, but it is thought that it is similar to the behaviors of the Galapagos finches

Other Facts
 

  • Its Latin name is Pinaroloxias inornata

  • Like the Cocos Island Flycatcher, the population seems to be stable even from all of the introduced animals

    • It is still considered Vulnerable due to its restricted range

bottom of page