Giant Tortoises
Land Lizards
Insects
Plant Life
Birds
There are three species of flycatchers in these islands, including
the colorful Vermilion flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus).
This small lively bird occurs primarily in the highlands of
Isabela, Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Floreana and the other major
islands. Some like to define the two major populations as separate
species -- the common Galapagos vermilion (P. nanus),
and the more localized San Cristóbal vermilion (P.
dubius). Both are friendly and easy to approach, and the male's
bright red color and black mask is easily distinguished from the
pale yellow breast of the female. Vermilion flycatchers display
by flying straight up in the air while chirping steadily. They
share the endangered highland habitat of tortoises, and as a result
the San Cristóbal species is extremely rare due to long-term
human habitation.
Another endemic species is the larger Galápagos or
Large-billed flycatcher (Myiarchus magnirostris). This
less colorful bird is brown and pale yellow; its bill is broad
but not particularly large, marked by a dark spot at the point.
Though fairly common on the major islands, there is little regional
variety between them, indicating a recent dispersal. They too
are aggressive, though not unfriendly, and have been known to
recruit nest material of human hair from the head of tourists
and researchers.
