Galapagos Species Database

Taxon category: Accepted

Syn.: Nesomimus trifasciatus Gould, 1837

Taxon origin: Endemic

Preference for an altitude zone in Galapagos: Coastal zone - transition zone

Habitat preferences: At present, mockingbirds inhabit coastal lowland shrub vegetation dominated by Croton scouleri, Cordia lutea, Jasminocereus thouarsii, Parkinsonia aculeata and Opuntia megasperma. However, this not only reflects species preference but also the habitats available on the islets.

Feeding preferences: Feeding on ground arthropods, such as centipedes, crabs and lizards, but also observed eating a wide variety of fleshy fruits.

Trophic role: Omnivorous

Reproduction mode: Exclusively sexual

Reproductive biology: Breeding occurs mostly around October-May, peaking in February. The clutch is usually composed of 3-4 pale blue eggs. Floreana mockingbirds build several nests before laying eggs and field observations indicate that genetically related and possibly unrelated helpers assist with this task.

Distribution origin: In common with all other Mimus, this species is closely related to species from North America and the Caribbean, rather than species from South America, indicating long distance dispersal.

Distribution: Present on Champion and Gardner by Floreana Islet. Extinct on Floreana Island since 1880s. Current population estimate is around 750 individuals among which 70 are on Champion islet. There is a strong annual variability in population size.

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