Telespyza cantans
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The Laysan Finch was first discovered in 1890 on the small island for which they are named. Since they evolved on an island without predators, they had no fear of human being and would even eat food out of the hand of observers.
Adults measure from 6 to 6.5 inches in length. Their diet is varied and includes seed, insects, flower buds and the contents of seabird eggs.
Rabbits were introduced to Laysan Island in 1903, ate most of the vegetation on the island and nearly drove the Laysan Finch to extinction. There are about 10,000 Laysan Finches in the wild
Laysan Finches have been introduced to the islets of the Pearl and Hermes Atoll to help protect the species
The Laysan Finch is a close relative to the Nihoa Finch
Laysan Finch Links
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Photo by Stewart Fefer, USFWS
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