Large Cactus-finch Skull Replica

Description

Large cactus-finch skull replica measures 1.25 x 0.65 x 0.55 inches. Geospiza conirostris is a museum-quality polyurethane resin cast of a California Academy of Sciences specimen. 2-part skull (separate cranium and mandible). 1:1 scale. Made in USA. Skull is an adult male.

The Galápagos Islands of Ecuador comprise the entire native range of the large cactus finch. Strict geographical isolation restricts this bird species to Espoñola, Genovesa, Darwin, and Wolf Islands.

This dark bird represents one of the famous Darwin’s finches. Pronounced anatomical similarities connect this species to the smaller, finer-beaked common cactus finch. Complete competitive exclusion prevents the two related bird species from co-inhabiting any single island together.

Dry shrublands provide the primary natural habitat. Foraging behaviors occur frequently across the open ground.

The native Opuntia cactus provides the primary food source for this bird. Sharp beaks tear through tough plant tissues to extract

Breeding pairs produce a clutch of two to four pale white eggs inside covered nests. Both parents actively feed the growing chicks for several weeks until independence.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Passeriformes
• Family: Thraupidae
• Genus: Geospiza
• Species: G. conirostris
• Binomial name: Geospiza conirostris Ridgway, 1890
• Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)

Four friends gathered at the edge of a deep river for an afternoon of rope swinging on this sweltering hot summer day.

Crusher, the large ground-finch skull replica, grabbed the thick old rope tightly, took a massive running start off the muddy bank, and swung high into the air. He let go at just the right moment to do a cannonball to drench all his friends with the freezing cold water.

Cruz, the medium ground-finch skull replica, was screaming at him for being a jerk. She had spent hours meticulously putting on her make-up and curling her long blond hair. She wanted a boyfriend so badly. Now she looked like a drowned blond rat with runny clown make-up streaking her pretty face. She stomped off and went home to cry.

Bitty, the small ground-finch skull replica, was twiddling her thumbs not knowing what to say to who. She decided to say nothing and go blow-up her donut to float down the river peacefully by herself.

Dwane, the Darwin’s set of 12 finch replicas, all got together and had a talk with Crusher, explaining to him that what is fun or funny isn’t funny or fun if it isn’t fun for all.