|
Narrative of the surveying voyages ... (Voyage of the Beagle) (first edition, 1839)
- In my collections from these islands, Mr Gould considers that there are twenty-six different species of land birds ...
Although the species are thus peculiar to the archipelgo, yet nearly all in their general structure, habits, colour of feathers, and even tone of voice are strictly American. The following brief list will give an idea of their kinds ...
5th Three species of mocking-birds, a genus common to both Americas (p. 461).
- ... it never occurred to me, that the productions of islands only a few miles apart, and placed under the same physical conditions, would be dissimilar. I therefore did not attempt to make a series of specimens from the separate islands. It is the fate of every voyager, when he has just discovered what object in any place is more particularly worthy of his attention, to be hurried from it. (p. 474)
In the case of the mocking-bird, I ascertained (and have [start p. 475] brought home the specimens) that one species (Orpheus trifasciatus, Gould) is exclusively found in Charles Island; a second (O. parvulus) on Albemarle Island; and a third (O. melanotis) common to James and Chatham Islands. The two last species are closely allied, but the first would be considered by every naturalist as distinct. I examined many specimens in the different islands, and in each the respective kind is alone present. These birds agree in general plumage, structure, and habits; so that the different species replace each other in the economy of the different islands. These species are not characterized by the markings on the plumage alone, but likewise by the size and form of the bill, and other differences. (p. 475)
[Note: Darwin, following Gould, seems to have been mistaken about the affinities of the specimens he collected, because the mockingbirds from James Island (Santiago) are phenotypically more similar to those from Albemarle (Isabela) than to those from Chatham (San Cristóbal). The former are now considered members of two different subspecies of Nesomimus parvulus (N. p. personatus and N. p. parvulus, respectively), whereas the mockingbirds on Chatham are placed in N. melanotis (Swarth 1931).
Darwin correctly noted that N. parvulus and N. melanotis are more similar in plumage to each other than either is to N. trifasciatus. Had Darwin observed N. macdonaldi (endemic to Española, which the Beagle did not visit), he may have noticed greater similarity in plumage between that species and N. melanotis than between N. melanotis and N. parvulus.
~ R. Curry]
Back to top
Voyage of the Beagle (1860 edition; Natural History Library, Anchor Press [1962])
- I have not as yet noticed by far the most remarkable feature in the natural history of this archipelago; it is, that the different islands to a considerable extent are inhabited by a different set of beings. (p. 394)
My attention was first thoroughly aroused, by comparing together the numerous specimens, shot by myself and several other parties on board, of the mocking-thrushes, when, to my astonishment, I discovered that all those from Charles Island belonged to one species (Mimus trifasciatus); all from Albemarle Island to M. parvulus; and all from James and Chatham Islands (between which the other two islands are situated, as connecting links) belonged to M. melanotis. These latter two species are closely allied, and would by some ornithologists be considered as well-marked races or varieties; but the Mimus trifasciatus is very distinct. (p. 395)
[Note: Darwin changed the generic epithet and common name from Orpheus (mocking-bird) to Mimus (mocking-thrush) between the first edition (both printings, 1839) of the Voyage and publication of the Bird volume of the Zoology just two years later (1841). The switch appears to have resulted from both Darwin and Gould becoming aware sometime between 1839 and 1841 of work on the mockingbirds of South America by D'Orbigny and Lefrasnaye (1837) in which they assigned the birds to Mimus, while also changing the scientific name of the Chalk-browed Mockingbird from Orpheus modulator (as used by Darwin in the Voyage, 1839) to Mimus orpheus (as used by Darwin in the Zoology and in later editions of the Voyage). That Darwin's understanding of the systematics of the mockingbirds underwent a change is further shown by inconsistency within the Birds volume of the Zoology, where most references to the mockingbirds were changed to Mimus but in one sentence Darwin retained the use of Orpheus (pp. 63-64). Darwin did not use common names for the group in the Birds volume. ~ R. Curry]
Back to top
- The distribution of the tenants of this archipelago would not be nearly so wonderful, if, for instance, one island had a mocking-thrush, and a second island some other quite distinct genus... But it is the circumstance, that several of the islands possess their own species of the tortoise, mocking-thrush, finches, and numerous plants, these species having the same general habits, occupying analogous situations, and obviously filling the same place in the natural economy of this archipelago, that strikes me with wonder. It may be suspected that some of these representative species, at least in the case of the tortoise and of some of the birds, may hereafter prove to be only well-marked races; but this would be of equally great interest to the philosphical naturalist. (p. 397)
- The two owls, the swallow, all three species of mocking-thrush, the dove in its separate colours though not in its whole plumage, the Totanus, and the gull are likewise duskier than their analagous species; and in the case of the mocking-thrush and Totanus, than any other species in the two genera. (p. 381)
- I will conclude my description of the natural history of these islands, by giving an account fo the extreme tameness of the birds ...
This disposition is common to all of the terrestrial species; namely, to the mocking-thrushes, the finches, wrens, tyrant-flycatchers, the dove, and carrion-buzzard. All of them often approached sufficiently near to be killed with a switch, and sometimes, as I myself tried, with a cap or hat. A gun is here almost superfluous; for with the muzzle I pushed a hawk off the branch of a tree. One day, whilst lying down, a mocking-thrush alighted on the edge of a pitcher, made of the shell of a tortoise, which I held in my hand, and began very quietly to sip the water; it allowed me to lift it from the ground whilst seated on the vessal: I often tried, and very nearly succeeded, in catching these birds by the legs. (p. 399)
Back to top
-
A mocking-bird (Mimus orpheus [now known as Mimus saturninus, the Chalk-browed Mockingbird. In both 1839 editions of the Voyage, Darwin referred to this bird as Orpheus modulator.] ), called by the inhabitants
Calandria, is remarkable, from possessing a song far
superior to that of any other bird in the country: indeed, it
is nearly the only bird in South America which I have
observed to take its stand for the purpose of singing. The
song may be compared to that of the Sedge warbler, but
is more powerful; some harsh notes and some very high
ones, being mingled with a pleasant warbling. It is heard
only during the spring. At other times its cry is harsh and
far from harmonious. Near Maldonado these birds were
tame and bold; they constantly attended the country houses
in numbers, to pick the meat which was hung up on the posts
or walls: if any other small bird joined the feast, the
Calandria soon chased it away. On the wide uninhabited plains
of Patagonia another closely allied species, O. Patagonica [now known as Mimus patagonicus, the Patagonian Mockingbird. Note that Darwin failed to update this passage thoroughly in his 1845 and 1860 revisions, because he should have referred to this species as Mimus patagonicus, for consistency with the use above of M. orpheus for the Chalk-browed Mockingbird.]
of d'Orbigny, which frequents the valleys clothed with
spiny bushes, is a wilder bird, and has a slightly different
tone of voice. It appears to me a curious circumstance, as
showing the fine shades of difference in habits, that judging
from this latter respect alone, when I first saw this second
species, I thought it was different from the Maldonado kind.
Having afterwards procured a specimen, and comparing the
two without particular care, they appeared so very similar,
that I changed my opinion; but now Mr. Gould says that they
are certainly distinct; a conclusion in conformity with the
trifling difference of habit, of which, of course, he was not
aware. (p. 54)
Chalk-browed Mockingbird, Mimus saturninus
http://www.tropicalbirding.com/littletwitch/Chalkmock.JPG
Patagonian Mockingbird, Mimus patagonicus
http://instruct.uwo.ca/biology/320y/mimus.gif
Back to top
Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle. Part III. Birds. (1841)
- It will be seen, that the three last species of the genus Mimus, were procured from the Galapagos Archipelago; and as there is a fact, connected with their geographical distribution, which appears to me of highest interest, I have had these three figured. There are five large islands in the Archipelago, and several smaller ones. I fortunately happened to observe, that the specimens which I collected in the two first islands we visited [San Cristóbal and Floreana], differed from each other, and this made me pay particular attention to their collection. I found that all in Charles Island [Floreana] belonged to M. trifasciatus; all in Albemarle Island [Isabela] belonged to M. parvulus; and all in Chatham [San Cristóbal] and James's [Santiago] Islands to M. melanotis. I do not rest this fact solely on my own observation, but several specimens were brought home in the Beagle, and they were found, according to their species, to have come from the islands as above named. Charles Island is distant fifty miles from Chatham Island, and thirty-two from Albemarle Island. This latter is only ten miles from James Island, yet the many specimens procured from both belonged respectively to different species. James and Chatham, which possess the same species, are seventy miles apart, but Indefatigable [Santa Cruz] Island is situated between them, which perhaps, has afforded a means of communication. the fact, that islands in sight of each other, should thus possess peculiar species, would be scarcely credible, if it were not supported by some others of an analagous nature, which I have mentioned in my Journal of the Voyage of the Beagle. I may observe, that as some naturalists may be inclined to attribute these differences to local varieties; that if birds so different as O. trifasciatus [sic. Should have been M. trifasciatus. Reflects difficulty of deciding whether the clade of species in the Galápagos merits distinction as a separate genus from the rest of the mockmingbirds, a point of discussion that continues to the present day.], and O. parvulus, can be considered as varieties of one species, then the experience of all the best ornithologists must be given up, and whole genera must be blended into one species. I cannot myself doubt that M . trifasciatus, and M. parvulus are as distinct species as any that can be named in one restricted genus.
The habits of these species are similar, and they evidently replace each other in the natural economy of the different islands; nor can I point out any difference between their habits and those of M. Thenca of Chile; I imagined, however, that the tone of their voice was slightly different. They are lively, inquisitive, active birds, and run fast; (I cannot assert, positively, that M. Thenca runs). They are so extremely tame, a character in common with other birds of the Archipelago, that one alighted on a cup of water which I held in my hand, and drank out of it. The sing pleasantly; their nest is said to be simple and open. They seem to prefer the dry sterile regions of the coast, but they are likewise found in the higher, damper and more fertile parts of the islands. To these latter situations, however, they seem chiefly attracted by the houses and cleared ground of the colonists.
[Note: This description applied at the time of Darwin's visit only to the colony on Floreana or to hunting camps in the highlands of Santiago or both. The statement n more likely refers to Floreana, however, because the two men operating the tortoise-collection station in the interior of James Island in 1835 probably did not create any "cleared ground," whereas Darwin's account of the main colony on Floreana emphasized the cleared areas used for growing introduced agricultural produce. ~ R. Curry] I repeatedly saw the M. melanotis at James Island, tearing bits of meat from the flesh of the tortoise, which was cut into strips and suspended to dry, precisely as I have observed in the M. Orpheus [ = Mimus saturninus], in La Plata, attacking the meat hung up near the Estancias.
Back to top
On the Origin of Species (1st edition, 1859)
- Many years ago, when comparing and seeing others compare, the birds from the separate islands of the Galapagos Archipelago, both one with another, and with those from the American mainland, I was much struck how entirely vague and arbitrary is the distinction between species and varieties. (p. 48)
- In the Galapagos Archipelago, many even of the birds, though so well adapted for flying from island to island, are distinct on each: thus there are three closely-allied species of mocking-thrush, each confined to its own island. Now let us suppose the mocking-thrush of Chatham Island be blown to Charles Island, which has its own mocking-thrush: why should it succeed in establishing itself there? We may safely infer that Charles Island is well stocked with its own species, for annually more eggs are laid there than can possibly be reared; and we may infer that the mocking-thrush peculiar to Charles Island is at least as well fitted for its home as is the species peculiar to Chatham Island.
...
From these considerations I think we need not greatly marvel at the endemic at representative species, which inhabit the several islands of the Galapagos Archipelago, not having universally spread from island to island. (pp. 402-403)
Back to top
Ornithological Notes (Barlow, ed., 1963)
Transcription (by Barlow) of list of birds copied by Darwin from his Zoology Notes, with his addition and expansion of notes on many specimens (Keynes 2000).
| Specimen |
Notes |
| 1213 |
(same as 2169:70). This bird [Mimus saturninus] has a wide geographic range, being found wherever the country is open & tolerably dry. On the east coast [of Uruguay and Argentina] I met with it everywhere from Lat: 31° to 50° in Southern Patagonia; on the West coast it is likewise abundant from Lima (12°) to Concepcion (37°) It is exceedingly common both in La Plata & Chili; [in the former country [it is del.] being known by the name of Callandria [corrected to Calandria] & in the latter [of del.] by Thenca (Molina). It frequents thickets & hedges, & is very active, whilst quickly hopping about, its tail often expanded and much used. -- Near Maldonado [Uruguay], these birds are tame & bold; they constantly frequent in numbers the country houses, to pick the meat; which is hung up on the posts or walls.--If any other small bird joins in the feast, the Calandria directly chases him away. On the wide uninhabited plains of Patagonia another closely allied species [Mimus patagonicus] appears rather wilder; it there commonly haunts the valleys clothed with spiny bushes on the higher twigs where it takes its stand.] It appears to me a curious circumstance as showing the fine shades of difference in habit, that when I first saw the second species inhabiting the plains near the Rio I thought it was different from the Maldonado species. Having procured a specimen, they were so similar, that I changed my opinion, but now Mr. Gould [who was not aware of these facts del.] pronounces them to be distinct kinds, in conformity with the trifling differences of habit of which he was not aware.
Its cry is harsh. In the spring it sings prettily. Molina has | however much exaggerated the charms of the song, which may be compared to that of the Sedge-warbler. It is more powerful; some harsh notes. & some very high ones are mingled with pleasant warbling. The song is remarkable, as being far superior to that of any other South American bird; indeed I have not heard any other bird, which properly perches itself to give continuous music. -- Molina has described the nest of the Thenca, as possessing a long passage; but I am assured by the country people, that it is a simple large nest, built extrenally of the prickly branches of Mimosa. (p. 215-216)
[Note: While Darwin was able to detect the difference between M. saturninus of northern Argentina/Uruguay and M. patagonicus of Patagonia, he did not emphasize here that the mockingbird of the west coast of South American from Chile to Perú, was yet another species, M. thenca, the Chilean Mockingbird. He did collect two specimens of the latter species at Valparaiso, Chile (catalog numbers 2169-2170). In the Zoology, Darwin made direct comparisons between the behavior of the mockingbirds in the Galápagos and Mimus thenca in Chile. ~ R. Curry] |
| 2169 |
Before leaving the coast of Chili, I will give a list of all the birds I saw in the neighborhood of the valley of Copiapò, in Lat. 27°.20 S. As, a short way north of this, the desert of Atacama commences, where nothing can exist, this valley makes an important boundary in the country & no doubt limits the distribution of many birds.
... Thenca 2169; & white-tailed bird closely allied to do (Barlow, p. 260)
|
3306
3307 | Thenca: male: Charles Isd [Nesomimus trifasciatus]
do : do: Chatham Isd [Nesomimus melanotis]
These birds are closely allied in appearance to the Thenca of Chile (2169) or Callandria of la Plata (1216). In their habits I cannot point out a single difference; -- they are lively inquisite, active run fast, frequent houses to pick the meat of the Tortoise, which is hung up, -- sing tolerably well; are said to build a simple open nest. -- are very tame, a character in common with the other birds: I imagined however its note or cry was rather different from the Thenca of Chile? -- Are very abundant, over the Whole island; are chiefly tempted up into the high & damp parts, by the houses & cleared ground.
[Note: At the time of the Beagle visit, the only island in the Galápagos with a true settlement was Floreana (Charles). Darwin's description of mockingbird behavior and abundance therefore seems to be based mainly on his observations on that island. His remarks are notable because Nesomimus trifasciatus disappeared from Floreana within 50 years of Darwin's visit. Darwin's notes in the Zoology of the Voyage of the Beagle, though, indicate that some of statements were based on observations he made while staying at hunting camps in the highlands of Santiago.]
I have specimens from four of the larger Islands; the two above enumerated, and (3349: female. Albemarle Isd [Nesomimus parvulus]) & (3350: male: James Isd. [N. parvulus]). -- The specimens from Chatham and Albemarle Isd appear to be the same; but the other two are different.
[Note: This statement is now known to be erroneous (cf. Swarth 1931). ~ R. Curry]
In each Isd. each kind is exclusively found: the habits of all are indistinguishable.
When I recollect, the fact that the form of the body, shape of scales & general size, the Spaniards can at once pronounce, from which Island any Tortoise may have been brought. When I see these Islands in sight of each other, & [but del.] possessed of but a scanty stock of animals, tenanted by these birds, but slightly differing in structure & filling the same place in Nature, I must suspect they are only varieties. The only fact of a similar kind of which I am aware, is the constant | asserted difference -- between the wolf-like Fox of East & West Falkland Islds. -- If there is the slightest foundation for these remarks the zoology of Archipelagoes -- will be well worth examining; for such facts [would inserted] undermine the stability of Species. (p. 262)
|
Back to top
Charles Darwin's Zoology Notes (Keynes, ed., 2000)
| Specimen | Notes |
| 1213 |
[Mimus saturninus] Lanius with a long tail; very active in its habits, in its motions expands fan tail in same manner as English magpie: is exceedingly abundant:--often near houses, from at which it feeds on the meat hung up & chaces away other small birds. -- harsh note: generally in thickets. [notes] (d) Besdies the harsh note this bird has a short warbling song: & is the most musical of any I have heard in this country: yet it only deserves the name of song relatively to the other birds: --More generally frequents thickets & hedges; [added later] (d) August 10th. -- (p. 179)
|
| (1461) |
P. 179, continued. [Mimus patagonicus] Shot at R. Negro specimen (1461).--Inhabiting wild desert plains: manners apparently rather different, wilder, does not seem to use its tail so much.-- Alights on summit of twig & enlivens by a very sweet song the dreary plain.-- Song resembling the sedge warbler, but more powerful.-- some harsh notes & some very high ones intermingled with a pleasant warbling.-- Called by the Spaniards Callandra.-- Also found at St Fe Bajada. [notes end] (Z, p. 179)
[from Zoology 3:60, specimen (1213) appears to have been the mocking bird identified by John Gould as Mimus orpheus, NHM 1855.12.19.227 {now known as Mimus saturninus; R. Curry} , while specimen (1416) was the closely related Mimus patagonicus. ~ R. Keynes (2000:153)]
|
| 2011 |
[Mimus patagonicus] the Callandra often sings (2011) amongst the spiny bushes. (Z, p. 260)
[listed in Zoology 3:60-1 as Mimus patagonicus Gray, NHM 1855.12.19.221 and .311 ~ R. Keynes (2000:231)]
|
| (2169, 2170, 1213, 2011) |
The ornithology of the valleys on the Eastern slopes differs to a certain extent from the Pacific sides; the resemblance is very strong in aspect & in zoology with the plains of patagonia.-- Of Birds we have the Furnarius (2025): Certhia (2020) -- white tailed Callandra and Thenca.-- (Z, p. 278) [Mimus thenca and M. saturninus]
At Copiapò -- Lat. 27°20' [notes from back of Z, p. 278; Keynes, 2000:249)]
... common Thenca 2169 [listed in Zoology 3:61 as Mimus Thenca , NHM 1855.12.19.230 ~ R. Keynes (2000:250)] : & white tail[ed] do of Patagonia ... [Note: I do not think Darwin's notes were intended to indicate that he observed the "callandra" (M. saturninus, specimen 1213, or M. saturninus, specimen 2011) at the same site where he saw the "thenca" (M. thenca). The context for these notes is the statement from p. 278 about the differences bwteen the two sides of the Andes. In Darwin's Ornithological Notes, the emphasis that Darwin derived from the same notes shifted to comparison between the bird communities on either side of the valley of the Copiapò ~ R. Curry]
|
| (2169, 2170) |
[Mimus thenca] At Concepcion we see commencement of dry country: we have Furnarius (2297), Thenca ... [notes from back of Z, p. 278; Keynes, 2000:249-250)]
|
| 2169:70 |
[Mimus thenca] Lanius (2169:70) called in La Plata "Callandra". here, as Molina says, "Thenca" very numerous. habits have formerly been described. -- it only sings in the Spring (hence my surprise at R. Negro at the different note so as to think it different bird), beauty of song very much exaggerated by Molina. -- I (good authority) am assured the nest is circular, but large & built externally of bits of prickly Mimosa. -- Therefore Molina is wrong about its nest. (Z, p. 274)
[Note: Lanius is a widespread genus of shrikes (in both Old and New Worlds, mainly in the northern hemisphere). However, Darwin did not observe any true shrikes in South America; he erroneously applied the same term to refer both to the mockingbirds in South America and to some other birds (e.g., specimen 1216, the Great Kiskadee {Pitangus sulphuratus}, a tyrant-flycatcher). He evidently became aware of more correct appication of these terms: on p. 186 of the Zoology Notes, he referred to the abundance of "Lanius (or more properly Tyrannius)" around the camp at Maldonado, referring here to the kiskadees.
Darwin does not appear to have used the term Lanius to refer to the Galapagos specimens; by the time he reached the archipelago, he was using the Spanish common names "thenca" (from Chile) and "callandra" (or Callandria, from Argentina and Brazil) to refer to mockingbirds. In Darwin's writings, he switched to the term "mocking-thrush" only after returning to England and receiving input from John Gould. ~ R. Curry]
|
| 3348, 3349, 3306, 3307 |
[Nesomimus trifasciatus, N. melanotis, and N. parvulus] This birds which is so closely allied to the Thenca of Chili (Callandra of B. Ayres) is singular from existing as varieties or distinct species in the different Isds.-- |342| I have four specimens from as many Isds.-- These will be found to be 2 or 3 varieties.-- Each variety is constant in its own Island.-- [note (a)] The Thenca of Chatham Isd Albermale Isd is the same as that of Chatham Isd.-- [note ends] This is a parallel fact to the one mentioned about the Tortoises. These birds are abundant in all parts: are very tame & inquisitive: habits exactly similar to the Thenca.-- runs fast, active, lively: sings tolerably well, is very fond of picking meat near houses, builds simple open nest.-- I believe the note or cry is different from that of Chili.-- (Z, pp. 341-342)
|
Back to top
Mockingbirds from Specimens not in Sprits (list of Beagle collection)
Asterisks indicate Beagle specimens that still exist (Kenyes, 2000).
Down House Notebook 63.5
| Specimen | Darwin's Notes |
| | 1833 ~ Maldonado |
| 1213 | Various birds skinned in the month of May.-- for particulars V 177, 178, 179, 180 [= Mimus saturninus ~ R. Curry] |
| | 1833 ~ Rio Negro | | 1461 | Bird called the Callandria. V 179 (d) [note opposite] V account of Bird (No 1213) [Listed as Mimus Patagonicus G. R. Gray in Zoology 3:60-1] [= Mimus patagonicus ~ R. Curry] |
| | 1834 ~ August. Sept. ~ Valparaiso | | 2169 | Callandra female Lanius
[Listed as Mimus thenca G. R. Gray in Zoology 3:61, NHM 1855.12.19.230, labelled 2169D] [= Mimus thenca ~ R. Curry] |
| 2170 | do male [= Mimus thenca ~ R. Curry] |
| | 1835 ~ Octob. ~ Galapagos Isds |
| 3306 | Thenca Male. Charles Isd [Listed as Mimus trifasciatus G. R. Gray in Zoology 3:62] [= Nesomimus trifasciatus ~ R. Curry] |
| 3307 | do do Chatham Isd [Listed as Mimus melanotis in Zoology 3:62, NHM 1855.12.19223 type *] [= Nesomimus melanotis ~ R. Curry] |
Down House Notebook 63.6
| Specimen | Darwin's Notes |
| | 1835 ~ Octob. ~ Galapagos Isds |
| 3349 | Thenca F. Albermale [sic; should be Albemarle] Isd [Listed as Mimus parvulus Gray in Zoology 3:63-4. NHM 1855.12.19.92 type] * [= Nesomimus parvulus parvulus ~ R. Curry] |
| 3350 | do M. James Isd [Listed as Mimus melanotis G. R. Gray in Zoology 3:62, NHM 1855.12.19.92 type] * [= Nesomimus parvulus personatus ~ R. Curry] |
Back to top
Darwin's Beagle Diary
Keynes, ed. (1988).
- 22nd [Sep., 1835; San Cristóbal {Chatham} Island, Galápagos] We slept on the sand-beach, & in the morning after having collected many new plants, birds, shells & insects, we returned in the evening on board.
[Probably the day on which Darwin collected first Galapágos mockingbird, Nesomimus melanotis (specimen 3307), near Sappho Cove. ~ R. Curry]
- 26th & 27th [Sep., 1835; Floreana {Charles or Santa María} Island, Galápagos] I industriously collected all the animals, plants, insects & reptiles from this Island. -- It will be very interesting to find from future comparison to what district or "centre of creation" the organized beings of this archipelago must be attached.
[Darwin probably collected his specimen of the Floreana mockingbird, Nesomimus trifasciatus (specimen 3306), on one of these days. ~ R. Curry]
- October 1st [1835; Isabela {Albemarle} Island, Galápagos] Albermale [sic] Is is as it were the mainland of the Archipelago ... From different accounts we had hoped to find water here. -- To our disappointment the little pits in the Sandstone contained scarcely a Gallon & that not good. -- it was however sufficient to draw together all the little birds in the country. -- Doves & Finches swarmed around its margin.
[Probably the day on which Darwin collected first of two specimens of the Galapagos mockingbird, Nesomimus parvulus parvulus (specimen 3349), near Tagus Cove. On this day, Darwin explored a crater just south of Tagus Cove and collected numerous land igaunas. ~ R. Curry]
- 9th [Oct., 1835; Santiago {James} Island, Galápagos, starting from Bucaneer Cove] Taking with us a guide we proceeded |616|
into the interior & higher parts of the Island, where there was a small party employed in hunting the Tortoise.
- 12th-16th We all were busily employed during these days in collecting all sorts of Specimens ... [Oct., 1835; coast of Santiago {James} Island, Galápagos, near saltworks at Puerto Egas]
[Darwin collected one specimen (3350) of Santiago's resident mockingbird, now classified as Nesomimus parvulus personatus, sometime during his stay from 8-17 October. The most likely date of collection of the mockingbird specimen was during the period 12-16 Oct. Specimen 3350 was originally classified by Gould as "Orpheus melanotis," i.e., conspecific with Nesomimus melanotis on San Cristóbal (specimen 3307). That this interpretation was erroneous was pointed out by several later ornithologists, including especially Swarth (1931) who clarified the scientific names that are used today. ~ R. Curry]
Back to top
|
