The Seychelles is home to over 250 species of birds. The island country is known for conserving its rare and endangered animals, including avifauna. As a result, the avian species living here have been able to thrive.
Seychelles’s national bird is the appropriately named Seychelles Black Parrot. Other notable birds in these islands include the Aldabra Drongo, the Seychelles Blue Pigeon, and the Seychelles Scops Owl.
List of Common Birds Found in Seychelles
Native Birds
- Aldabra Drongo
- Aldabra Fody
- Aldabra White-eye
- Brown Noddy
- Common Greenshank
- Common Ringed Plover
- Comoro Blue Pigeon
- Curlew Sandpiper
- Eurasian Curlew
- Eurasian Moorhen
- Greater Flamingo
- Lesser Noddy
- Madagascar Nightjar
- Malagasy Coucal
- Malagasy Turtle Dove
- Pacific Golden Plover
- Pied Crow
- Roseate Tern
- Ruddy Turnstone
- Seychelles Black Parrot
- Seychelles Blue Pigeon
- Seychelles Bulbul
- Seychelles Fody
- Seychelles Kestrel
- Seychelles Magpie Robin
- Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher
- Seychelles Scops Owl
- Seychelles Sunbird
- Seychelles Swiftlet
- Seychelles Warbler
- Seychelles White-eye
Non-native Birds
- Common Myna
- Common Waxbill
- Gray Francolin
- House Crow
- House Sparrow
- Red Fody
- Rock Pigeon
- Rose-ringed Parakeet
- Yellow-fronted Canary
- Zebra Dove
Seychelles offers a fantastic birdwatching experience with its unique and diverse avian fauna. Some of the best birding sites in Seychelles include Cousin Island Special Reserve, Aride Island Nature Reserve, and Praslin Island. The last one is notable as it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The peak season for birdwatching in Seychelles is generally during the southeast monsoon, from May to September. During this time, the weather is more relaxed and drier, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities like birdwatching. June and July are often considered the best time for birding as bird populations are more active, and many species nest and display their vibrant plumage.
During the southeast monsoon, migratory birds from Africa and other parts of the world also visit Seychelles, adding to the diversity of birdlife. You can witness various nesting seabirds, observe courtship rituals, and spot endemic species during this time of the year.
But if you prefer to avoid crowds and higher accommodation prices, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons, such as April or October, when the weather is still pleasant and birdlife is abundant.
