Nauru is a tiny atoll in the Pacific where about 30 birds have been recorded. While it was once covered with rainforests, rampant habitat destruction, and deforestation due to urbanization have led to a massive decline in vegetation. As a result, few birds are seen in Nauru, with only the endemic Nauru Reed Warbler and the Micronesian Imperial Pigeon being the only avian species that regularly nest and breed on the island. Other notable species are the Brown Noddy, the Fairy Tern, the Collared Kingfisher, the Pacific Reef Heron, and the Greater Frigatebird.
List of Common Birds Found in Nauru
Native Birds
- Barn Owl
- Black-browed Albatross
- Black-naped Tern
- Black Noddy
- Black-winged Stilt
- Bridled Tern
- Brown Booby
- Brown Noddy
- Collared Kingfisher
- Common Myna
- Common Noddy
- Common Sandpiper
- Common Tern
- Eastern Curlew
- Fairy Tern
- Gray Fantail
- Gray Noddy
- Gray Ternlet
- Greater Frigatebird
- Lesser Frigatebird
- Masked Booby
- Micronesian Imperial Pigeon
- Nauru Reed Warbler
- Pacific Golden Plover
- Pacific Imperial Pigeon
- Pacific Long-tailed Cuckoo
- Pacific Reef Heron
- Pacific Swallow
- Ruddy Turnstone
- Sanderling
- Sooty Tern
- Whimbrel
- White-rumped Swiftlet
- White-tailed Tropicbird
- White Tern
- White-winged Tern
Non-native Birds
- Australian Pelican
- Bar-tailed Godwit
- Black-bellied Plover
- Bristle-thighed Curlew
- Gray-tailed Tattler
- Great Crested Tern
- Greater Sand Plover
- Lesser Sand Plover
- Red-footed Booby
- Red Junglefowl
- Red-tailed Tropicbird
- Rock Pigeon
- Sacred Kingfisher
- Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
- Wandering Tattler
While it may not have specific designated birding sites, birdwatchers can explore a few areas on the island. These include Anibare Bay, Buada Lagoon, and Moqua Well. The peak season for birding in Nauru generally coincides with the migratory bird season, typically from October to April. During this period, various migratory bird species visit the island, adding to the diversity of birdlife. These months also correspond to the wet season in Nauru, characterized by increased rainfall and higher humidity. Water availability and the resulting vegetation growth during this time can attract more birds, including waterbirds and shorebirds.
However, it’s important to note that various factors, including climate variations and environmental changes, can influence Nauru’s bird population and migratory patterns. It’s always a good idea to consult with local birding experts or organizations for the most up-to-date information on birding seasons and specific bird species sightings in Nauru.
