December marks the start of one of the most exciting activities of the year in Galápagos: the Christmas Bird Count. Now in its ninth consecutive year, this event, organized by the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) in collaboration with key partners, combines science, community, and fun to celebrate and protect the incredible diversity of birds on our islands.

December marks the start of one of the most exciting activities of the year in Galápagos: the Christmas Bird Count. Now in its ninth consecutive year, this event, organized by the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) in collaboration with key partners, combines science, community, and fun to celebrate and protect the incredible diversity of birds on our islands.

Scientists in Galápagos have recorded the most successful breeding season ever for the critically endangered Mangrove Finch, one of the world’s rarest birds. Discover how years of conservation work, innovative nest-protection strategies, and collaboration are offering new hope for this species’ survival in the remote mangrove forests of Isabela Island.

Little Vermilion Flycatcher populations are declining at a rapid rate due to the impacts of invasive species, particularly on the island of Santa Cruz where only 30 breeding pairs are found. By adopting a Little Vermilion Flycatcher you will help us restore their habitats and reduce the impacts of invasive species. Your donation will also enable us to investigate ways to recover the species on the islands where it has disappeared.

Salasacas de Galápagos tells the overlooked story of an Indigenous community that helped shape Santa Cruz. Drawing on historical research and personal testimonies, the book explores migration, discrimination, community organization, and cultural reaffirmation, revealing how the Salasaca people preserved their identity while contributing to the development of the Galapagos Islands.

It is estimated that 20% of the populations of small landbirds found on the Galapagos Islands are declining or have gone locally extinct. Our scientists work to ensure the long-term conservation of small Galapagos landbird populations for the health of the islands’ ecosystems at large.