Galápagos Animals: The ‘Big 15’ and Where to Find Them
Meet the Galápagos ‘Big 15’: the archipelago’s most iconic animals. This guide shows where you’re most likely to see them, from the brightly coloured Española marine iguanas (often nicknamed the ‘Christmas iguanas’) to the famous Galápagos giant tortoise.
Galápagos Islands Animals: What are the ‘Big 15’?
1. Flightless Cormorant
Without the need to fly, the flightless cormorant has evolved into a powerful swimmer with short wings and strong legs. They dive beneath the surface to hunt fish, octopus, and eel among volcanic reefs.
Flightless cormorants are most commonly seen on Fernandina Island and the western coast of Isabela Island, particularly along rocky, lava-strewn shorelines. You can spot them year-round, with peak breeding during the cooler months (May–October). Look for dark, long-necked birds perched on low rocks near the water, often holding their wings outstretched to dry after a dive.
Interesting fact:
Both male and female birds share egg incubation equally. Once the chicks are sufficiently independent, the mother leaves to find another mate, while the father stays to care for the chick.
Galápagos Islands Animals: What are the ‘Big 15’?
1. Flightless Cormorant
Without the need to fly, the flightless cormorant has evolved into a powerful swimmer with short wings and strong legs. They dive beneath the surface to hunt fish, octopus, and eel among volcanic reefs.
Flightless cormorants are most commonly seen on Fernandina Island and the western coast of Isabela Island, particularly along rocky, lava-strewn shorelines. You can spot them year-round, with peak breeding during the cooler months (May–October). Look for dark, long-necked birds perched on low rocks near the water, often holding their wings outstretched to dry after a dive.
Interesting fact:
Both male and female birds share egg incubation equally. Once the chicks are sufficiently independent, the mother leaves to find another mate, while the father stays to care for the chick.
The Galápagos hawk is the top avian predator in the islands, preying on smaller birds, lizards, and young turtles. These formidable birds are dark in colour with broad wings and a powerful build. Endemic to the Galápagos, the species has a very limited global population, making sightings all the more special.
You’re most likely to see Galápagos hawks on islands such as Isabela, Santiago, and Española, typically in open, arid terrain. You can spot them at any time of year. Keep a watchful eye for solitary birds perched on lava outcrops or circling slowly overhead.
Interesting fact:
They often hunt in groups, an unusual behaviour for birds of prey, allowing them to take down larger or more agile prey.
