[8] On average, its beak is smaller than that of the medium ground finch, but there is a significant overlap in size between the two, particularly on islands where only one of the two species exists.

[11] The finches seen in highlands have larger, more pointed beaks and smaller feet and claws compared to the lowland variety.

These finches are on a cline (series of biocommunities on a continuous gradient), and individuals in the hybrid zone have intermediate traits.

[13] It feeds primarily on the ground or in low vegetation, eating seeds, buds, flowers, leaves and the occasional insect.

[8] Although the population size of the small ground finch has not been quantified, it is described as common across the Galápagos, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists it as a species of Least Concern.

[1] However, like all endemic wildlife on the Galápagos Islands, it is impacted by some human activities, including fires, overgrazing by domestic and feral animals, and the introduction of exotic species.