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Birds At The Galapagos Island Tours

Endemic Birds Show Their Feathers On Espanola

Espanola Island, the southernmost in the archipelago chain, is home to numerous species of birds.  The options for Galapagos Island tours short or long, always includes a stop for the Explorer II.  While on Espanola, a rare species that stands out in particular abundance on the island is the Waved Albatross.

The Waved Albatross is endemic to the Galapagos and is most unique.  If visiting the Galapagos during breeding season (March through December), your family can see this remarkable creature that is also known for its amazingly long flights.  They can fly for hours without stalling due to its soaring technique, dramatic wing span, and their lithe, slender bodies.

If you are on one of the Galapagos Island tours during mating season you can see how particular this bird is in its nesting habitat.  The birds prepare for the mating ritual and nesting on lava rock that have big boulders, sparse vegetation, or thick brush, possibly for protection against the elements.  Once eggs are hatched, the Albatross leaves the nursery ducklings to forage for food from the sea, thereby leaving them exposed.

Because the Winged Albatross is only found here, it is a rare sight indeed for bird lovers.  But Espanola Island makes sure you won’t be at a loss to see other bird colonies as well.  The Explorer II visits a couple landing sites: Punta Suarez and Gardner Bay.  Among the many species that abound on Espanola are the Galapagos Dove and Hawk, the Warbler Finch, Blue Footed and Masked Boobies, and the Hood Mockingbird.

And there are more species on the Island too.  Swallow-tailed Gulls, Large-Billed Flycatchers, Red-Billed Tropicbirds and more thrive aplenty on this southernmost and remote Galapagos Island.  Large Marine Iguanas and Green Sea Turtles, as well as a substantial Sea Lion colony all make their home on Espanola.

Galapagos Explorer is committed to showing travelers who love all wildlife and numerous bird species, in particular, this most unique destination on earth.  And Espanola Island is one of the best spots to do just that.