Is it true that the 13 species of finch that Darwin noted weren't actually different species?

Question

Is it true that the 13 species of finch that Darwin noted weren't actually different species?

Answer 1

No, the finches are actually different species from several genera...

Genus Geospiza

Large Cactus-finch, Geospiza conirostris

Sharp-beaked Ground-finch, Geospiza difficilis

Vampire Finch, Geospiza difficilis septentrionalis

Medium Ground-finch, Geospiza fortis

Small Ground-finch, Geospiza fuliginosa

Large Ground-finch, Geospiza magnirostris

Darwin's Large Ground-finch, Geospiza magnirostris magnirostris - possibly extinct (1957?)

Common Cactus-finch, Geospiza scandens

Genus Camarhynchus

Vegetarian Finch, Camarhynchus crassirostris - sometimes separated in Platyspiza

Large Tree-finch, Camarhynchus psittacula

Medium Tree-finch, Camarhynchus pauper

Small Tree-finch, Camarhynchus parvulus

Woodpecker Finch, Camarhynchus pallidus - sometimes separated in Cactospiza

Mangrove Finch, Camarhynchus heliobates

Genus Certhidea

Warbler Finch, Certhidea olivacea



Genus Pinaroloxias

Cocos Island Finch, Pinaroloxias inornata

The most important differences between species are in the size and shape of their beaks, and the beaks are highly adapted to different food sources. The birds are all brownish or black. Their behaviour differs, and they have different song melodies.