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Avian Diver Ity of Galapagos Call1ping on the Rhn Ofisabella Island's Alcedo Volcano 'Was an Excellent Place to Observe the Galapagos Haluk

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Avian Diver Ity of Galapagos Call1ping on the Rhn Ofisabella Island's Alcedo Volcano 'Was an Excellent Place to Observe the Galapagos Haluk The Galapagos Dove is the only endemic dovefound on these islands. Avian Diver ity of Galapagos Call1ping on the rhn ofIsabella Island's Alcedo Volcano 'was an excellent place to observe the Galapagos HaLuk. This bird is il111nature. by Liza Marie Wallner Milwaukee, Wisconsin he evolutionary isolation of the Galapagos Islands has produced a rich diversity of unusual avifauna, many species being found nowhere else in the world. Fifteen major islands comprise the archipelago which is located approxi­ mately 600 miles west of the Ecuador­ ian coastline in the Pacific Ocean on and around the equator. I was able to visit 12 of these on my two week sail­ ing and hiking exploration of the islands, observing at close hand many of the birds I am about to list and describe. Endemic or unique birds to the Galapagos Islands include 13 species of the famed Darwin's Finches, four species of mockingbirds, two species ofgull, the Galapagos Hawk, flightless The largest boobyspeciesfound on the Galapagos is the Masked Booby 'which has an orange cormorant, Galapagos Penguin, and a beak with a blackface n1ask. 60 September / October 1994 12,000 pairs, with the exception of the several pairs mentioned in my intro­ duction, nest exclusively on Hood There are three resident booby Island, Galapagos. This magnificent speciesfound on the Galapagos Islands. They include the bird, with its bright yellow beak, Red-footed (pictured)} Blue-footed cream colored head and brown body and Masked Boobies. feathers, is known for its unique courtship display involving clicking, freeZing, head bobbing and beak crossing. This ritual is repeated each year at the onset of breeding season to reaffirm each pair's lifelong bond before mating takes place. Nesting The Galapagos Waved Albatross nests in a huge colony ofapproxin1ately 12}OOO single endemic species each of dove, pairs on Hood Island. flycatcher, martin, heron and rail. The Galapagos Waved Albatross is almost considered endemic with the excep­ tion of two or three pairs which breed on small islands off Ecuador's coast. The islands are probably best known for the three resident booby species; however, other interesting bird species also reside in Galapagos including two species of owls, two species of frigatebirds, flamingos, Ver­ million Flycatchers, Red-billed Tropic­ birds, Brown Pelicans and American Oystercatchers to name just a few. Natural behavior observations and close-up viewing of the birds on Gala­ pagos is an easy matter as animals of these relatively young islands have not developed a fear of humans. It is an amazing thing to simply walk through a breeding colony of birds, many of which are on eggs or with chicks, and cause no reaction what­ soever. The most spectacular bird seen on my trip was the Waved Albatross Dio­ Many birds were not afraid and could be approached quite ea ily. This is a Blue-footed medea irrorata. The entire colony of Booby with her chick. afa WATCHBIRD 61 occurs from May to December after with a Galapagos Hawk happened on distinguished sexually by looking at which the young are fledged and the Rabida Island which is known for its their eyes. Males have smaller-looking whole colony leaves Hood Island to red sand beach. It was along this pupils than females. In reality, the spend the rest ofthe year out at sea. shoreline that several brown pelican pupils themselves are the same size in I was in the Galapagos during nests were spotted in some shrubs, both sexes. It is the dark brown iris December 1993 andJanuary 1994 so I one with three abandoned eggs. As I ring around the pupil of the female's was able to see the adult Waved Alba­ approached a second nest, I saw a eye which makes it appear larger. tross with almost fully fledged chicks. hawk perched atop it with its kill, a Females also have a bigger overall They were all huge, impressive birds down-covered pelican chick. These body size and make a honking sound. having wingspans of up to 10 feet and hawks feed on everything from small The males, on the other hand, are body weights approaching 11 pounds. lava lizards to young goats if they can smaller and have a call which resem­ My adventure also allowed for a get them. bles a whistle. They usually make this special hike and two nights camping This intriguing raptor has been elim­ whistling sound while pointing their on the rim of Isabella Island's Alcedo inated from many of the islands by beaks skyward. Volcano. This is one ofthe best places direct human predation in the past. The largest of the booby species to to see the Galapagos Hawk Buteo Although now protected, this species' reside in Galapagos is the Masked galapagoensis. total population has been reduced to Booby Sula dactylatra. This bird has Adult birds are solid brown with about 100 pairs. They have no natural an orange beak surrounded by a black yellow cere, talons and legs while the enemies, which would explain their face mask. The wings and tail are also juveniles have cream colored breasts curious and fearless natures. edged in black which is in dramatic with a brown mottled pattern. The No exploration of Galapagos would contrast to its white head, neck and female birds tend to be larger and they be complete without a chance to see body. Breeding takes place through­ take on more than one mate at a time. the unique flightless cormorant Nan­ out the archipelago at different times All parents then help in the raising of nopterum harrisi. It is also endemic to of the year on different islands. I saw the young. the archipelago, being found only on courtship behavior, including males Immature hawks were seen up to Isabella and Fernandina Islands. This skypointing, on both Hood and Tower one dozen at a time along Alcedo Vol­ Galapagos Cormorant is the only Islands. Nests are made near the cliffs cano's rim. They would swoop down flightless seabird in the world with the and consist of a small collection of inches above my head, occasionally exception of the penguin. As there twigs. Two eggs are then laid and the landing on a nearby rock or shrub. were no predators when this bird first chick to hatch is usually the only Another fascinating encounter I had arrived on the islands, it almost cer­ one to survive. Masked Boobies fish tainly evolved into a flightless state. for food in between the islands further Natural selection simply favored the out to sea than their Blue-footed Deadline Schedule birds with smaller wings and sturdy, relatives. Nov IDee '94 streamlined bodies which are advan­ The final and most numerous booby Sept. 1 - editorial copy tageous for diving and feeding off the species of the islands is the resident Sept. 15 - displayADS rocky lava shorelines of Galapagos. Red-footed Booby Sula sula. Adult I observed many of these cormor­ birds have brightly colored, red, Jan I Feb '95 ants at Punta Espinosa on Fernandina webbed feet at sexual maturity. Featuring Island. They feed mainly on fish and Although quite populous, the 140,000 HANDFEEDING squid and must sun themselves dry pairs of this species are difficult to see Nov. 1 - editorial copy after diving as they lack water repel­ as they nest only on the outlying Nov. 15 -displayADS lent feather oils which other birds Island of Tower. This is also the only have. December is not noted as their booby to nest in trees or shrubs, Mar I Apr '95 breeding season. However, I did see females laying but a single egg. The Jan. 1 - editorial copy one parent and chick on a nest high Red-footed Booby feeds very far out Jan. 15 -displayADS on a cliff at this same location. in the open ocean, thus avoiding any Although they are not endemic, competition from other booby spe­ May I June '95 Galapagos is probably most famous cies. Hundreds of fledged immature Featuring for its three resident booby species. birds were observed on Tower during AMAZONS The Blue-footed Boobies Sula January of 1994. Adults were also seen March 1 - editorial copy nebouxi, with striking blue feet at perched on their treetop nests. Imma­ March 15 - displayADS maturity, are the most noticed birds of ture boobies are a dull brown color, the archipelago. Large colonies are whereas adults are lighter with blue July I Aug '95 found on Hood and Seymour Islands. beaks which are masked in pink May 1 - editorial copy I observed young chicks still in down around the face. This is the smallest of May 15 - displayADS feathers on Hood at the breeding col­ Galapagos' resident boobies. ony there. These birds nest inland on The Galapagos Islands have much Sept I Oct '95 the ground and raise from one to three to offer any avian enthusiast in both Featuring young depending on food availability. diversity and uniqueness of species. It LORIES July 1 - editorial copy They feed on fish taken near the is my hope that this remarkable archi­ July 15 -displayADS shoreline ofthe ocean. pelago can be preserved for future -- Adult Blue-footed Boobies can be generations to enjoy.• 62 September / October 1994 ENCLOSURE PERCHES This is Ofte "erch you will not have to replace! 12" thru 48" Range: $16.00 - $32.00 each Scale not included All White Bear Products have been designed using the advice of this country's top avicultural veterinarians, insuring features that best promote the mental and physical strengths that will help make your bird the kind of companion you've always desired! ORDER TODAY! WHITE BEAR PRODUCTS Call Today For Free Color Brochure! Division of Gary Dorman & Associates, Inc.
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