Cladus: Eukaryota
Nesomimus macdonaldi Ridgway, 1890 Vernacular names Reference Proceedings of the U.S. National Museum 12(1889) p.103
The Hood Mockingbird, Mimus macdonaldi, also known as the Española Mockingbird is a species of bird in the Mimidae family. It is endemic to Española Island in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, and it is one of four closely related mockingbird species endemic to the Galápagos archipelago. It is found in dry forests and is omnivorous, though it primarily is a carnivore or scavenger. The species has a highly territorial social structure and has no fear of humans. It is the only species of Galápagos mockingbird that Charles Darwin did not see or collect on the voyage of the Beagle.[2]
Habitat Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. Found only on Española Island, the bird can be found throughout the dry scrub of the island.[6] Diet The species has an omnivorous diet, but is mainly a predator or scavenger.[3] The species will eat the eggs of seabirds nesting on the island,[7] as well as eat from dead animals and kills made by other predators, such as the Galápagos Hawk.[6] Behavior
The birds have a strong social structure organized into family groups. Highly territorial, these groups will cooperatively hunt within their area as well as defend it against other groups. Lower-ranking members of the group will assist in caring for the young.[3] Status The bird is considered to be vulnerable in the wild by BirdLife International due mainly to its limited area. The fragile ecosystem and high risk of adverse weather conditions put the species at particular risk of population loss.[1] It is estimated that there are fewer than 2,500 left in the wild.[6] References ^ a b BirdLife International 2004. Mimus macdonaldi. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 26 July 2007.
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