1. Galápagos penguin

Spheniscus mendiculus

Sustained by the cool waters of the Humboldt and Cromwell currents, the world’s northernmost penguin species survives mainly on Fernandina and Isabela islands. There may be fewer than 2000 left.

2. Waved albatross

Phoebastria irrorata

This handsome bird breeds mainly on Espaiiola, and is critically endangered because its breeding range is so small. It has a wingspan exceeding 2m and may live for up to 40 years.

3. Flightless cormorant

Phalacrocorax harrisi

Largest member of its family and the only cormorant that doesn’t fly. It evolved here and is among the world’s rarest birds, with fewer than 2000 remaining.

4. Darwin’s finches

Studies of these small, dull-coloured birds show evolution in action. They’re famous for illustrating adaptive radiation: an array of similar species descended from a single ancestor.

5. Magnificent frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

This aerial pirate is widespread from Mexico to Ecuador but studies suggest the Galápagos population is genetically distinct.

6. Red-footed booby

Sula sula

There are seven booby species wordlwide. The three found in the Galápagos archipelago— the red-footed, Nazca and blue-footed— pointedly demonstrate that not all boobies are created equal. Red-footed boobies, the only one of the Galápagos trio that nests in trees, are friendly but rather a loof.