The LARGE-BEAKED HAWFINCH (_Geospiza magnirostris_) is a very remarkable
species, inhabiting the Galapagos Islands, and is at once distinguishable
by its enormous beak and short tail. The plumage of the old male is raven
black, that of the female brown; the head is horn colour, and the feet
dusky. These birds spend the greatest part of the day in searching for
food upon the ground, and Darwin mentions having seen one of them riding
fearlessly upon the back of a lizard.
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The PARROT FINCHES (_Pityli_) are now generally included amongst the
_Conirostres_, and associated with the Hawfinches. They are known by
their short wings, long tail, and peculiar beak, which is very strong,
thick, and bulging, the edge being more or less compressed, and slightly
angular. The first quill is always very short, and the third and fourth
usually the longest. The wings are powerful, the tarsus high, and the
toes of moderate length. The plumage is thick, soft, and entirely without
metallic brilliancy. In colour it is usually grey or greenish grey,
occasionally, but very rarely, marked with reddish yellow, black, or
some bright colour. South America is the true habitat of these birds,
which are seldom found in the northern parts of the Western Hemisphere.
They are for the most part incapable of song, although some few are
highly gifted in this respect. In their general habits they resemble the
Hawfinches, and, like them, subsist upon seeds, berries, and insects.