Vampire Sparrow: Strange Bird That Drinks Blood to Survive

Vampire finches have lived on Darwin Island and Wolf Island (both part of the Galapagos Islands - Ecuador) since 500,000 years ago.

'Vampire' Sparrow: Strange Bird That Drinks Blood to Survive

In fact, the Galapagos Islands are home to 13 different species of finches that evolved from a common ancestor. Each finch species has adapted its diet to its environment. Some prefer to eat insects, seeds, and nectar, while others, like the “vampire” finches, prefer to drink blood from large seabirds.

Darwin Island and Wolf Island have harsh weather conditions and scarce food, even in the dry season there is no food. Therefore, the "vampire" finches have to eat parasites on the skin and feathers of large birds that live on the island such as some seabirds, red-legged boobies, etc. Over time, they start to suck blood while catching parasites. However, this behavior is only performed when other food sources such as seeds and insects are scarce, forcing them to drink blood to survive.

'Vampire' Sparrow: Strange Bird That Drinks Blood to Survive

The vampire sparrow uses its sharp beak to peck at the wings of larger birds and drink their blood. Since larger birds are used to sparrows helping to “clean” parasites from their bodies, they do not fight back when their blood is sucked.

According to scientists, sparrows drinking blood is an unusual behavior and this is an "evolution" to adapt to the environment.

'Vampire' Sparrow: Strange Bird That Drinks Blood to Survive

Blood contains few essential nutrients but too much salt and iron. However, because the digestive system of the "vampire" sparrow possesses a type of gut bacteria called Peptostreptococcaceae that can digest these two substances, when necessary, they are ready to use this "food" source.

Even if there is no food, they will attack seabirds and their young to drink their blood.

Not only do they drink blood, vampire sparrows also steal other species' eggs, then push them against rocks with their feet until they break open so they can eat them. Due to the scarcity of food, to survive, vampire sparrows also eat bird droppings and fish left over from other predators.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

In this article, we will guide you how to regain access to your hard drive when it fails. Let's follow along!

How to use dental floss

How to use dental floss

Dental floss is a common tool for cleaning teeth, however, not everyone knows how to use it properly. Below are instructions on how to use dental floss to clean teeth effectively.

How to gain muscle according to experts

How to gain muscle according to experts

Building muscle takes time and the right training, but its something anyone can do. Heres how to build muscle, according to experts.

The Best Diets for Heart Health

The Best Diets for Heart Health

In addition to regular exercise and not smoking, diet is one of the best ways to protect your heart. Here are the best diets for heart health.

How to cure insomnia for pregnant women in the last 3 months

How to cure insomnia for pregnant women in the last 3 months

The third trimester is often the most difficult time to sleep during pregnancy. Here are some ways to treat insomnia in the third trimester.

Scientifically Proven Ways to Automatically Burn Calories

Scientifically Proven Ways to Automatically Burn Calories

There are many ways to lose weight without changing anything in your diet. Here are some scientifically proven automatic weight loss or calorie-burning methods that anyone can use.

All about iOS 26

All about iOS 26

Apple has introduced iOS 26 – a major update with a brand new frosted glass design, smarter experiences, and improvements to familiar apps.

Yoga exercises to treat insomnia

Yoga exercises to treat insomnia

Yoga can provide many health benefits, including better sleep. Because yoga can be relaxing and restorative, its a great way to beat insomnia after a busy day.

What is the flower of the other shore? Meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore

What is the flower of the other shore? Meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore

The flower of the other shore is a unique flower, carrying many unique meanings. So what is the flower of the other shore, is the flower of the other shore real, what is the meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore?

Healthy snacks that help you lose weight

Healthy snacks that help you lose weight

Craving for snacks but afraid of gaining weight? Dont worry, lets explore together many types of weight loss snacks that are high in fiber, low in calories without making you try to starve yourself.

What to do when you have trouble sleeping?

What to do when you have trouble sleeping?

Prioritizing a consistent sleep schedule and evening routine can help improve the quality of your sleep. Heres what you need to know to stop tossing and turning at night.

How to add a printer to Windows 10

How to add a printer to Windows 10

Adding a printer to Windows 10 is simple, although the process for wired devices will be different than for wireless devices.

The most commonly deficient nutrients in the diet

The most commonly deficient nutrients in the diet

Diet is important to our health. Yet most of our meals are lacking in these six important nutrients.

How to get beautiful nails quickly

How to get beautiful nails quickly

You want to have a beautiful, shiny, healthy nail quickly. The simple tips for beautiful nails below will be useful for you.

The best laptops for students in 2025

The best laptops for students in 2025

Students need a specific type of laptop for their studies. It should not only be powerful enough to perform well in their chosen major, but also compact and light enough to carry around all day.