This photo shows why the Woodpecker Finch has gained fame - it is due to its capability of using a twig, stick, or cactus spine as a tool. The tool is used as compensation for its short tongue. The finch manipulates the tool to dislodge invertebrate prey such as grubs from trees. The same tool can be used many times on many different trees. Scientists have observed that the finches may shorten the stick or spine to make it more manageable. The finches may also try various sticks or spines at one site before finding just the appropriate one that can reach and extract the prey item.
Only two other species of birds have been observed to use tools in this way - the Mangrove Finch on the nearby Galapagos island of Isabela and the New Caledonia Crow.