Galapagos Islands information

Every island in the Galapagos is different one from the other and all this is due to how they were formed. If the 4,600 million years of Earth´s history will be simulated in 24 hours, the Galapagos Islands had been formed in the last two minutes of that day. The 19 islands and 219 islets were created by successive volcanic eruptions over a hot spot located on the seafloor of the Nazca Plate. The first of them emerged in the middle of the Pacific Ocean about 5 million years ago. The islands are settled on the Nazca Plate and move about 5 centimeters a year eastward. That is why the oldest islands of the archipelago are far about 200 kilometers east from the youngest islands that are still above the hot spot.

Explore the Enchanted Islands

1) Isabela Island. 2) North Seymour Island. 3) South Plaza Island. 4) Santa Fe Island. 5) Santa cruz Island. 6) Bartolome Island. 7) Mosquera Island. 8) Santiago Island. 9) Rabida Island. 10) Floreana Island. 11) Genovesa Island. 12) Española Island. 13) San Cristobal Island. 14) Fernandina Island.

Galapagos Hawk - Landbirs | Galapagos Islands Animals and Wildlife

The Galapagos Hawk is endemic to the Galapagos and is similar to the red tailed hook that can be found in North America. The hawks found in Española Island are the biggest in the archipelago averaging 1,140 gr, and the smallest are found in Marchena Island weighing about 844gr. Males are smaller and lighter than females.

This bird has developed an interesting breeding method. As many as 3 hawks would reproduce with the same female and all would assist the nursing by bringing food. They lay 3 to 6 eggs, and depending on the food availability, all will survive.

They feed on dead animals and also hunt insects, mammals, reptiles and other birds. However, there are few birds that are fearless of the hawks, such as the mockingbird that would even fight them to protect their nest. They can hunt in groups of 3, one being the leader, displaying strategic chasing or mocking when needed.

There are supposed to be about 300 individuals in the archipelago, so they are highly endangered, mainly because of introduced species. They are currently extinct in Baltra, Daphne, Floreana, San Cristobal, and Seymour islands.