Galapagos Islands - Birds - Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the highest levels of endemism (species found nowhere else on Earth). Of the 56 native (arrived naturally) bird species of Galapagos, 45 (80%) are endemic and 11 are indigenous (native to Galapagos but also found elsewhere). In addition to the native birds, there are 29 migratory species. Of the 29 resident land birds in the Galapagos, 22 are endemic at the level of species. Thirteen of the 22 endemic species are known collectively as Darwin’s finches. There are only six endemic species among the seabirds. All these images are during 17 February days.
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Ruddy Turnstone - this species grows to ≈ 10 in. (26 cm) long, with a wingspan up to ≈ 22 in. (56 cm), and weighing up to around 6.5 oz. (184 gm). This specimen displaying its non-breeding plumage, from upon the volcanic rock, with coral sand particles there upon, from Galapagos Sea Lions, sliding their wet sand coated bodies across the same rocks, in route to higher rocks for sunning and resting - Isla San Cristobal.
