Jarvis Island is a small, uninhabited island between Hawaii and the Line Islands in the South Pacific Ocean. It is an essential habitat for various birds, including some rare and endangered species.
The island is a part of the United States Minor Outlying Islands and is home to some of the most spectacular birds in the world. From sea birds to land birds, Jarvis Island provides a unique opportunity to observe birds in their natural environment.
From the native red-footed booby to the rare endemic Jarvis Island rail, the birds of Jarvis Island offer an incredible glimpse into the world of avian life.
21 Birds Found in Jarvis Island
Jarvis Island is a small, uninhabited island in the South Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and the Line Islands. It is a part of the United States Minor Outlying Islands and is home to some of the most spectacular birds in the world.
From sea birds to land birds, Jarvis Island provides a unique opportunity to observe birds in their natural environment.
From the native red-footed booby to the rare endemic Jarvis Island rail, the birds of Jarvis Island offer an incredible glimpse into the world of avian life.
Here are 21 birds that you can find on Jarvis Island.
1. Osprey
The osprey is a bird of prey with a wide range of habitats worldwide and is known by many names, including sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk. It is a large bird, measuring over 60 cm long and 180 cm across the wings.
It is primarily brown on the upper parts of its body and mostly grey on its head and underparts. Ospreys are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They primarily feed on fish, which they catch in their powerful talons.
They can be seen hovering over bodies of water, searching for a meal. Once they spot one, they plunge into the water and snatch their prey.
Ospreys are also well known for their impressive migratory patterns, as they can travel thousands of miles to return to their nesting sites.
Ospreys have adapted to many different environments and have been known to build their nests in various places, including cliffsides, trees, and even artificial structures.
They usually mate for life and will often return to the same nesting sites year after year. Overall, the osprey is an impressive bird of prey in many different parts of the world. It is well adapted to its environment and integral to many ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Pandionidae |
| Genus | Pandion |
| Species | P. haliaetus |
2. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is a majestic bird found in many parts of North and Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands. It is a large wading bird from the heron family Ardeidae and is a common sight near open water shores and wetlands.
It has a long neck and long legs, and its wingspan can reach up to 6.5 feet. It is a very adaptable bird, surviving in various habitats, from swamps and marshes to rivers and estuaries.
It has a sharp bill, which it uses to capture its prey, mainly fish, frogs, and insects. The great blue heron is a beautiful bird with a predominantly grey body and white head, neck, and chest, and it is a famous sight in many parts of the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
3. Masked Booby
The masked booby is a large seabird of the booby and gannet family, Sulidae. It has several names, including the masked gannet and the blue-faced booby.
It was first described scientifically by the French naturalist René-Primevère Lesson in 1831 and is one of six species of booby in the genus Sula. The masked booby is a seabird that lives near the ocean. It is a large bird with a wingspan of up to three feet.
Its distinctive features include a blue face with a black mask and yellow beak. Its body is primarily white with brown and black markings. The masked booby lives in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
It feeds mainly on small fish and crustaceans. It nests in large colonies on islands and other coastal areas, often nesting in the same spot for many years. The masked booby has a monogamous mating system, with one male and one female forming a pair for life.
The female lays two eggs, usually in a shallow nest made of twigs and vegetation. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs until they hatch after about six weeks.
The chicks fledge after about two months. The masked booby is classified as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, as its population is stable and widespread.
However, human activities such as fishing, hunting, and pollution can hurt the species. In addition, the species faces threats from climate change, such as increasing temperatures and rising sea levels.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
| Genus | Sula |
| Species | S. dactylatra |
4. Sooty Tern
The sooty tern is a species of seabird belonging to the family Laridae. These birds are found in the tropical oceans and primarily live at sea. During the breeding season, these birds come to land to nest on islands mainly located within the equatorial zone.
It is believed that they are highly adapted for life out at sea, possessing the ability to dive for food and fly for long distances over the ocean.
Due to their unique adaptation, sooty terns can thrive in tropical oceans, often living out their entire life in the open ocean. The sooty tern is a distinctive species and a valuable part of the marine ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Onychoprion |
| Species | O. fuscatus |
5. Brown Noddy
The brown noddy, also known as the common noddy, is a bird that belongs to the Laridae family. It is the largest of the noddies and can easily be identified due to its dark brown plumage and larger size.
This is compared to the closely related black noddy, which is smaller and has black feathers. It is a seabird and can be found in coastal regions and near large bodies of water.
The brown noddy typically feeds on fish, squid, and other small marine creatures. It is an agile flyer that can travel long distances for food. The brown noddy is also a social bird and can be seen in large flocks near areas with abundant food sources.
It is a monogamous species whose breeding season usually begins in the summer.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Anous |
| Species | A. stolidus |
6. Bonaparte’s Gull
Bonaparte’s gull is a species of gull belonging to the Laridae family. It is mainly found in northern North America and is one of the smallest species of gulls, measuring between 28 and 38 cm in length.
It has a white plumage with grey upperparts, which is enhanced during the breeding season when it develops a slaty-black hood. Both the male and female Bonaparte’s gulls look similar in appearance.
Bonaparte’s gulls are typically found near coasts, lakes, ponds, marshes, rivers, and large bodies of water. They feed mainly on small fish, insects, crustaceans, and worms.
During the breeding season, they build their nests near the waterside or in tall grass and shrubs. Bonaparte’s gulls are considered to be of the most minor concern regarding their conservation status.
They are standard in their range, and their population has increased steadily since the 1970s. With the implementation of conservation measures and increased awareness, the population of Bonaparte’s gulls is expected to remain stable for the foreseeable future.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. philadelphia |
7. Spotted Sandpiper
The spotted sandpiper is a small shorebird belonging to the genus Actitis, including the common sandpiper. The two species are geographically separated but can sometimes be found in the same area.
When this happens, hybridization is possible, where the two species interbreed and produce offspring. Hybridization is not uncommon among shorebirds, and it can result in various hybrid characteristics.
Hybridization also increases the genetic diversity of the populations, allowing them to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Hybridization can also lead to new species, as the hybrids may have traits not present in the original species.
Hybridization is an integral part of the evolutionary process and an essential factor in the conservation of shorebirds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Actitis |
| Species | A. macularius |
8. Pectoral Sandpiper
The pectoral sandpiper is a small wader, a type of shorebird that migrates between North America and Asia to breed and South America and Oceania to winter. Its diet consists of small invertebrates, like insects and worms.
The sandpiper builds its nest in the ground, making a hole and lining it with vegetation or feathers for insulation. This protects from the cool breezes of its breeding grounds and is deep enough to keep the four eggs safe.
The pectoral sandpiper is integral to the migratory bird population, providing a vital link between its breeding and wintering grounds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. melanotos |
9. Wedge-Tailed Shearwater
The wedge-tailed shearwater is a seabird species belonging to the family Procellariidae. It is a medium-sized shearwater and is one of the species sometimes referred to as a muttonbird.
This is due to its resemblance to the sooty shearwater of New Zealand and the short-tailed shearwater of Australia. With its long wingspan and unmistakable tail, the wedge-tailed shearwater is easily identifiable as a seabird species.
It is found primarily in the Indian and Pacific oceans and can sometimes be seen in the Mediterranean Sea. It spends most of its time at sea, feeding on small fish, squid, and other marine creatures.
During the breeding season, it will come ashore to nest in colonies, and the young birds will remain in their nesting grounds until they are ready to fly.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Ardenna |
| Species | A. pacifica |
10. Greater Yellowlegs
The Greater Yellowlegs is a species of shorebird that belongs to the family Scolopacidae. It is relatively large and has a wide distribution range. It can be found in central Canada and southern Alaska during the breeding season.
It migrates to southern North America, Central America, the West Indies, and South America during the winter. This shorebird species is highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats, such as wetlands, mudflats, and estuaries.
Its preferred diet includes insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. The Greater Yellowlegs is an integral part of the food web in its native habitats, providing an essential food source for many predators.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Tringa |
| Species | T. melanoleuca |
11. Black Noddy
The black noddy is a species of seabird found in the family Laridae. It is a medium-sized bird with primarily black plumage and a white cap. This white cap closely resembles the lesser noddy, once considered the same species.
The black noddy is also known as the white-capped noddy, based on its distinctive headgear. The black noddy is a primarily coastal bird in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. It feeds mainly on fish, which it catches by diving from the air.
It usually nests in large colonies on islands, offshore reefs, or other sheltered areas. It is quite gregarious, forming large flocks during the non-breeding season.
While the black noddy is relatively common, its population is declining due to habitat destruction and other human-related activities. Conservation efforts are underway to help protect this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Anous |
| Species | A. minutus |
12. Lesser Frigatebird
The lesser frigatebird is a seabird belonging to the Fregatidae family. It is the smallest frigatebird species, measuring approximately 75 cm in length.
This species is found in tropical and subtropical waters across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, as well as off the Atlantic coast of Brazil. The lesser frigatebird is beautiful, with glossy black feathers and a long, pointed beak.
The male of the species has a red throat pouch that inflates during courtship displays, and both sexes have long, forked tails. This species is highly aerial and capable of soaring high above the sea for long periods.
It feeds primarily on fish and small cephalopods, which it can catch while in flight. The lesser frigatebird is a colonial species, nesting in large colonies on offshore islands and rocky outcrops. During the breeding season, the male will guard its mate and nest fiercely.
The female lays a single egg in a shallow nest made of twigs and grasses. Both parents take turns incubating the egg for around 50 days before the young chick hatches. The chick fledges after around 90 days and reaches sexual maturity at around three years of age.
The lesser frigatebird is a fascinating species essential to the marine food web. Despite this, it is listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List due to its vulnerability to human disturbance and habitat loss.
We must work to protect this species so that future generations can continue to enjoy its beauty.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Fregatidae |
| Genus | Fregata |
| Species | F. ariel |
13. White Tern
The white tern is a small seabird found in tropical oceans worldwide. It has a distinctive white plumage and a long, pointed black bill. It is a graceful bird that can be seen hovering over the ocean’s surface in search of small fish and other marine life.
The white tern is also known as the fairy tern because of its delicate appearance, but this name can be confusing as it is also the common name of a different species, the Sternula nereis.
The white tern is a famous bird to watch for birders, as it is one of the few tern species found in tropical oceans. Its white plumage and graceful flight make it a beautiful sight to behold.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Gygis |
| Species | G. alba |
14. Black-Legged Kittiwake
The black-legged kittiwake is a species of seabird belonging to the gull family, Laridae. It is a medium-sized bird with a wingspan of around 61-75cm and a body length of 35-41cm. It is mainly greyish-white, with black legs and a yellowish bill.
The black-legged kittiwake is an ocean-dwelling bird found mainly in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. The scientific name of this species was first described by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in his landmark 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae as Larus tridactylus.
The English name of the species is derived from its distinctive call, a shrill ‘kittee-wa-take, kitten-wa-make.’
This call is unique to this species and is used for communication between flock members. The black-legged kittiwake is an essential species in the seaside environment, as it is a keystone species in the food web.
This species feeds on fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, which it captures by plunging into the water from a height.
This species is also a significant food source for predators such as peregrine falcons, sea lions, and whales.
The black-legged kittiwake is classified as a near-threatened species by the IUCN, as its population has been in decline due to human activities, such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change.
Conservation efforts are underway to ensure the continued survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Rissa |
| Species | R. tridactyla |
15. Frigatebird
Frigatebirds are a family of seabirds found in the tropical and subtropical oceans. There are five species within this family, which are all classified under the single genus Fregata.
These five species are easily identifiable by their predominantly black plumage, long and deeply forked tails, and long hooked bills. Despite their distinct sizes and shapes, these features are shared among the five species.
The smallest species, the Lesser Frigatebird, is approximately 28 inches long, while the largest species, the Great Frigatebird, can reach up to 45 inches long.
Despite the size difference, all five species have long hooked bills that can be used to catch their prey, usually fish, squid, or crustaceans. In addition, all five species have deeply forked tails and long wings, which they use to soar over the oceans for long periods.
This ability to soar has enabled the frigatebird to become an expert in kleptoparasitism, meaning they can snatch food from other birds mid-air.
The frigatebird’s black plumage is thought to help them better blend in with the dark ocean, making catching their prey easier.
As a result, the frigatebird is an integral part of the marine ecosystem, helping to balance fish and other seafood populations. Overall, the frigatebird is a unique bird that plays a vital role in the tropical and subtropical oceans.
With their distinct features and impressive abilities, the frigatebird is fascinating to observe and study.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Fregatidae |
| Genus | Fregata |
16. Gadwall
The gadwall is a dabbling duck, making it an Anatidae family member. This family contains many species of ducks, geese, and swans. The gadwall is a widespread duck found in many parts of the world.
It often inhabits wetlands and shallow lakes and is seen in large flocks during the winter. Its diet consists mainly of aquatic vegetation, such as seeds and grasses. The gadwall has a light brown body with a white belly, and its head and neck are grayish-brown.
Its wings are dark brown, and its tail is white. Its bill is yellowish-orange and has a white patch near its tail. The gadwall is a relatively large duck with a wingspan of up to 70 cm. It is a very vocal bird whose call is a loud, high-pitched whistle.
The gadwall is considered a species of minor concern due to its large population and wide distribution.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. strepera |
17. Pelagic Cormorant
The pelagic cormorant is a small bird belonging to the family Phalacrocoracidae, which includes other cormorants. It is commonly known as Baird’s cormorant or the violet-green cormorant due to its distinct plumage.
It is sometimes referred to as the pelagic shag, a term used to group all the small cormorants. This species has a slender body, a long tail, and a long, thin neck. Its upperparts blend brown and black, while its underparts are white and grey.
The head and neck are usually dark grey or black, and the sides of the neck are generally streaked with white. Its wings are long and pointed, and its feet are webbed.
This species is found in coastal waters worldwide, including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. It feeds mainly on small fish and shrimp and is often seen hunting in small flocks.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Urile |
| Species | U. pelagicus |
18. Brown Booby
The brown booby is a large seabird that belongs to the booby family Sulidae. It is one of the most widespread species of booby and can be found in many tropical regions across the globe.
The brown booby is a gregarious bird, meaning it lives in large groups and often travels together. It spends much of its time near the shore, commuting and foraging for food at low heights.
This behavior is unique to the brown booby, and it helps it to survive in its unique habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
| Genus | Sula |
| Species | S. leucogaster |
19. Silver Gull
The silver gull is one of Australia’s most widely distributed bird species. It is a common sight along the continent’s coastlines but has also been found living in inland areas.
The silver gull is a relatively small bird, smaller than its close relative, the Pacific gull. The Pacific gull is also found in Australia, although it is less widespread than the silver gull. Silver gulls feed on small fish, crustaceans, and insects at the shoreline.
They also scavenge around picnic areas, begging for food. They are often seen in large flocks, soaring above the shoreline for food. The silver gull is a beneficial species, helping to keep beach areas free of debris and pests.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. novaehollandiae |
20. Least Tern
The least tern is found in North America and northern South America. It is closely related to the little tern, found in the Old World regions, and the yellow-billed tern and Peruvian tern, both from South America.
In the past, the least tern and little tern were considered the same species because of their similarities. The least tern is a small, graceful bird that usually has gray upperparts and white underparts. It has a distinctive black cap on its head and a short, forked tail.
It also has a black eye streak and a yellow bill. Its wings are short and pointed, and it usually migrates in large flocks. Most miniature terns breed in coastal areas and large inland lakes, building their nests on the ground in shallow depressions.
Its diet consists mainly of small fish, but it will also eat insects and crustaceans.
The least tern is listed as a species of most minor concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. However, it is still threatened by habitat loss, predation, and human disturbance.
Conservation efforts have been implemented to help protect the species, such as establishing protected breeding grounds and monitoring nest sites.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Sternula |
| Species | S. antillarum |
21. Western Sandpiper
The western sandpiper is a small shorebird found in the western parts of the world. It is a member of the genus Calidris, derived from the Ancient Greek kalidris or skalidris, a term used by Aristotle to describe some grey-colored birds that lived near bodies of water.
The specific mauri of the western sandpiper commemorates Italian botanist Ernesto Mauri, who was an expert in the field of botany, the study of plants.
Ernesto Mauri was noted for his outstanding contributions to plant biology, particularly in ecology, which studies how organisms interact with their environment.
The western sandpiper is an essential species for ecologists as it plays a critical role in the food chain of many different ecosystems. Its specific name, mauri, is a fitting tribute to Ernesto Mauri and his contributions to the scientific community.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. mauri |
Conclusion
Jarvis Island is a unique and vital home to many different species of birds. It serves as a critical stopover for migratory species and a breeding and nesting ground for resident species.
The island is also home to many seabirds and many species of migratory and resident shorebirds. The presence of these birds is essential for the health and functioning of the island’s ecosystems and is an integral part of the island’s culture and heritage.
Protecting and preserving Jarvis Island’s birdlife is essential for the health and well-being of the island’s ecosystems and the benefit of the island’s people.