Thanks to Charles Darwin, the Galapagos Islands are famous for their isolation, their diversity of life, and their role in supporting the theory of evolution. On these islands, you will find giant tortoises, penguins, fifteen species of finches, and even marine iguanas. Yet, none of these animals are dangerous, apex predators. That distinction belongs to the Galapagos hawk.
While the Galapagos hawk mainly dines on insects such as locusts and giant centipedes as well as small lizards, snakes, and rodents, at certain times of the year, it goes after much bigger game.
Baby sea turtles and seagulls are, of course, a welcome treat, but adult animals are also on the menu. When female marine iguanas head inland to lay their eggs, they are out of their element and vulnerable, and as a result, they become prime targets for Galapagos hawks.
Savaging the iguanas with their sharp talons, Galapagos hawks are not unlike their dinosaur ancestors. You can see why hawks and other birds of prey are called “raptors”. They may seem ruthless, but their opportunism guarantees their continued survival.
In the video below, watch this fascinating (and somewhat heartbreaking) interaction between a Galapagos hawk and a breeding marine iguana.
