Johnston Atoll is home to a wide variety of birds. The atoll is an important bird area for many migratory and endemic species, including threatened and endangered birds.
The atoll provides ideal breeding grounds for many seabirds, shorebirds, and other bird species. The surrounding ocean and lagoon are also great places to spot pelagic seabirds.
Johnston Atoll also has some of the most diverse forest bird populations in the Pacific Islands, with some species found nowhere else. With its unique range of habitats, there is something for everyone to enjoy when birdwatching at Johnston Atoll.
21 Birds to Watch in Johnston Atoll
Johnston Atoll is a remote island in the Pacific Ocean that is home to a diverse and fascinating array of birds. Whether you are a birdwatcher, a nature lover, or just curious.
Here are 21 birds that you can spot on this amazing atoll.
1. Belted Kingfisher
The belted kingfisher is a large, unmistakable water bird in North America. It belongs to the family Alcedinidae, composed of all the kingfisher species.
However, recent studies have revealed that this large family should be divided into three distinct subfamilies.
This is mainly because kingfisher species have evolved differently, displaying distinct behaviors, physical characteristics, and adaptations that allow them to survive in different environments.
As a result, the three subfamilies of kingfishers have been given the scientific names Alcedininae, Cerylinae, and Halcyoninae. Each of the three subfamilies comprises numerous genera and species of kingfishers, many closely related.
The belted kingfisher belongs to the subfamily Alcedininae and has a long, stout bill and a shaggy crest, both unique features of this particular species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Megaceryle |
| Species | M. alcyon |
2. Osprey
The osprey is a large bird of prey that enjoys a cosmopolitan range, meaning it can be found in many different places worldwide. It is also known by several other names, such as sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk, which all point to its diet of mainly fish.
This raptor is diurnal, meaning it is most active during the day, as opposed to nocturnal birds that are active at night. Physically, the osprey is impressive, measuring more than 60 cm long and having a wingspan of up to 180 cm.
Its upper parts are brown, while its head and underparts are primarily grey. This coloring helps it to blend in with its natural environment, making it harder for predators to spot it.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Pandionidae |
| Genus | Pandion |
| Species | P. haliaetus |
3. Sooty Tern
The sooty tern is a species of seabird belonging to the family Laridae. It is found in tropical oceans worldwide and is well-adapted to life at sea. It is a migratory species and will only return to land to breed.
Its breeding range is mainly restricted to islands in the equatorial zone, although some populations may venture further north or south during the non-breeding season. The sooty tern is a distinctive species with a sooty-black head, body, and white underparts.
It can reach up to 32 cm long and has a wingspan of around 60 cm. It has a long, pointed bill and a forked tail. It is a highly aerial species and feeds mainly by plunge-diving into the sea from a height.
Its diet consists of small fish and other marine life, which it captures by swooping down on its prey from above. The sooty tern is an essential species for the oceans, as it helps to maintain the balance of marine ecosystems.
It has a long lifespan, with some individuals living up to 30 years in the wild. It is also a popular tourist attraction for visitors to its breeding islands and is often seen soaring above the surf.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Onychoprion |
| Species | O. fuscatus |
4. Brown Booby
The brown Booby is a large, gregarious seabird that belongs to the booby family Sulidae. It is the most widespread species of the booby family, with a pantropical range that overlaps with other species of boobies.
The brown Booby is usually seen flying and foraging at low heights above the coastal waters. It is a social bird and often commutes in large flocks. Foraging for food, they often dive into the waters.
These birds rely primarily on fish for their diet but can also consume crustaceans and other small aquatic animals. During the breeding season, they are typically found in small island colonies.
The brown Booby is a graceful and agile flyer, able to maneuver in the air quickly. It is also a powerful swimmer that can dive deep into the waters in search of prey.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
| Genus | Sula |
| Species | S. leucogaster |
5. Black Noddy
The black noddy, also called the white-capped noddy, is a species of tern in the family Laridae. It is a medium-sized seabird with black plumage and a white cap resembling the lesser noddy.
At one point, the black noddy and the lesser noddy were thought to be the same species, so they were considered conspecific. However, they are now known to be two distinct species based on their size, color, habitat, and behavior differences.
The black noddy has a slightly larger wingspan than the lesser noddy, and its plumage is darker and more evenly black, while the lesser noddy has a streaked gray-brown color.
Additionally, the black noddy prefers to live and nest in the open ocean, while the lesser noddy prefers to live and nest near the shore.
The two species also have different behaviors, such as the black noddy’s tendency to follow seabirds such as shearwaters and petrels in search of food. In contrast, the lesser noddy is more likely to forage alone.
These differences demonstrate that despite their similarities, the black noddy and the lesser noddy are two different species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Anous |
| Species | A. minutus |
6. White Tern
The white tern, also known as the standard white tern, is a small seabird that can be found in tropical oceans all over the world. Its white plumage quickly identifies it, and it is often called the fairy tern.
However, this nickname is a bit misleading, as the same name is also used for the Sternula nereis seabird. The white tern is a graceful bird with a wingspan of up to two feet. They have long, pointed wings and a deeply forked tail, which helps them fly with great agility.
They feed mainly on small fish and crustaceans, which they hunt by hovering over the water before plunging in to catch their prey. The white tern is integral to the marine food chain, providing food for many larger predators.
In addition, they are essential to the local ecosystem by helping to spread the seeds of many different plant species as they search for food.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Gygis |
| Species | G. alba |
7. Brown Noddy
The brown noddy is a species of bird that belongs to the family Laridae. It is the largest of the noddies and can be distinguished from its close relative, the black noddy, by its size and coloration.
The brown noddy is larger than the black noddy and has a dark brown plumage, whereas the black noddy is smaller and has a black plumage. The brown noddy is found in tropical seas worldwide and lives of fish, squid, and other marine life.
It has a wingspan of up to two feet and can be seen soaring high in the sky or perched atop a tree or cliff. The brown noddy is an integral part of the ecosystem, as it helps to keep the population of fish and other marine life in check.
It is also an essential part of the food chain, as it is a food source for other birds, mammals, and even humans.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Anous |
| Species | A. stolidus |
8. Bristle-Thighed Curlew
The bristle-thighed curlew is a shorebird native to Alaska and the Pacific islands. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring 11-14 inches long and weighing 8 ounces. It has long yellowish-brown legs and a slim, slightly curved bill.
Its distinctive feature is the distinctive bristle-like feathers on its thighs. These birds breed in Alaska during summer, usually in marshy areas near the coast. They feed on small insects, crustaceans, and other invertebrates.
Once the breeding season is over, they migrate south to tropical Pacific islands, where they spend the winter.
They feed on various foods, including seeds, berries, and small fish. The bristle-thighed curlew is a threatened species due to habitat loss and overhunting. It is estimated that only around 2,000 individuals are left in the wild.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and its habitats. This includes habitat restoration, public education, and enforcement of hunting laws. With continued conservation efforts, the bristle-thighed curlew may be able to make a comeback.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Numenius |
| Species | N. tahitiensis |
9. Sanderling
The sanderling is a small bird that is typically found near water. Its name is derived from Old English, which translates to “sand-plowman.” The genus name for this type of bird is derived from the Ancient Greek term “kalidris” or “skalidris.”
Aristotle used This term to describe grey-colored birds that live near water. The specific name of the bird, alba, is Latin for “white.” This likely refers to the white feathers that are commonly seen on sanderlings.
The sanderling is a beautiful bird that can be found in a variety of habitats near water. This species is an integral part of many ecosystems, and protecting its habitat for future generations is essential.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. alba |
10. Red-Tailed Tropicbird
The red-tailed tropicbird is a seabird species native to tropical regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is one of three closely related tropicbird species and was first described by Pieter Boddaert in 1783.
In terms of its appearance, the red-tailed tropicbird has similar features to a tern, boasting an almost entirely white plumage and a black mask. However, its most striking feature is its red bill.
This gives the bird a unique and striking look, making it easily recognizable from a distance.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phaethontiformes |
| Family | Phaethontidae |
| Genus | Phaethon |
| Species | P. rubricauda |
11. Red-Footed Booby
The red-footed Booby is a large seabird belonging to the Sulidae family. It is easily distinguished by its bright red feet, although the colors of its plumage can vary depending on the region.
This species is known for its impressive flying abilities – it is agile and influential in the air but clumsy and awkward when taking off and landing. Red-footed boobies can be found in many tropical areas, and they often form large colonies near coastal areas and on islands.
They are especially fond of nesting on remote islands, where they can raise their young safely.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
| Genus | Sula |
| Species | S. sula |
12. Wandering Tattler
The Wandering Tattler, or the Long-billed Tattler, is a small to medium-sized wading bird from Tringa. It is found in coastal regions of the Pacific, from Alaska to New Zealand, and breeds in Siberia and Japan.
An identifiable feature of the Wandering Tattler is its long bill, which can reach up to 8 cm. This species has a dark brownish-grey back, lighter brown or grey-brown wings, and white underparts. Its tail is usually a darker grey than its back.
The Wandering Tattler resembles the closely related Gray-tailed Tattler, T. brevipes, which has a grey tail and a shorter bill. The Gray-tailed Tattler is also found in the same habitats as the Wandering Tattler but is less commonly seen.
Both species of tattlers feed on small invertebrates, such as worms, crustaceans, and insects, that they find by probing through the mud with their long bills. They will also eat seeds and other plant material.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Tringa |
| Species | T. incana |
13. Ruddy Turnstone
The ruddy turnstone is a bird species found in many different parts of the world. It is a small wading bird belonging to the genus Arenaria and is part of the family Scolopacidae.
This family is made up of sandpipers, which are shorebirds that feed by probing or scavenging. Historically, the ruddy turnstone was sometimes classified under the plover family Charadriidae. Plovers are similar to sandpipers but differ in the size and shape of their bills.
The ruddy turnstone has a uniquely colored plumage, a ruddy chestnut color on its back, wings, and white underneath. It also has a black head with a white stripe across its forehead.
The ruddy turnstone is a highly migratory bird that travels long distances searching for food and nesting sites. It has many habitats, from coastal mudflats to grassy meadows and urban areas.
It is an omnivorous bird, feeding on both plant matter and small invertebrates. The ruddy turnstone is a fascinating bird, and its ability to survive in various habitats makes it an ideal species for study.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Arenaria |
| Species | A. interpres |
14. Masked Booby
The masked Booby is a large seabird that belongs to the booby and gannet family, Sulidae. It is also known as the masked gannet or the blue-faced Booby. The first description of the masked Booby was done by the French naturalist René-Primevère Lesson in 1831.
It is one of the six species of Booby that belong to the genus Sula. The masked Booby is a large and powerful seabird that has a wingspan of up to 1.5 meters and a body length of about 75 centimeters. It is usually bright white with a black mask over its eyes.
It has a long, slender yellow bill with an orange tip. Its legs and feet are blackish-gray. The masked Booby is found in tropical and subtropical waters throughout the world.
It typically lives and breeds on offshore islands like the Galapagos Islands or the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean coasts.
It usually feeds on small fish and squid, which it catches by plunging into the water from heights up to 20 meters. The masked Booby is an essential species in its ecosystem, as it helps to maintain the balance of its food chain.
It also provides a food source for humans, as it is often hunted for its meat. Its feathers are also used in some cultures for ceremonial purposes.
Overall, the masked Booby is an impressive species that has been studied and appreciated by naturalists since its first description in 1831. It plays a vital role in its ecosystem and provides food to humans.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
| Genus | Sula |
| Species | S. dactylatra |
15. Great Frigatebird
The great frigatebird is a large seabird species found in the frigatebird family. This bird is native to certain parts of the Pacific Ocean, such as Hawaii and the Galápagos Islands, and parts of the Indian Ocean, such as the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
It has a large wingspan that can stay in the air for hours, allowing it to travel great distances over the ocean. The great frigatebird is an integral part of the global seabird population, and there are significant nesting populations in its native regions.
The birds build their nests in colonies on islands, often seen flying above the sea in search of food.
They are opportunistic feeders and will consume any prey, including fish, small squid, crustaceans, and carrion. The great frigatebird is an integral part of the marine ecosystem.
These birds help maintain the balance of the ocean by eating a variety of prey, and they also help spread seeds and plant material across the ocean, helping to promote plant growth and diversity.
As a result, they play an essential role in helping maintain the ocean’s health.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Fregatidae |
| Genus | Fregata |
| Species | F. minor |
16. Grey Plover
The grey plover is a species of bird that lives around the world. Known as the black-bellied plover in North America, it is a large bird that breeds in the Arctic region.
It is a long-distance migrant, flying thousands of miles between its breeding and wintering grounds. It can be found in coastal areas worldwide during the winter, but during the summer, it returns to its Arctic home.
This species is unique because it can travel far and maintain its population. Its long-distance migration helps to ensure its survival, even in the harsh conditions of the Arctic.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. squatarola |
17. Wedge-Tailed Shearwater
The wedge-tailed shearwater is a bird species belonging to the Procellariidae family of seabirds. It is a medium-large shearwater, which means it is more significant than some of its relatives but smaller than others.
This species is part of a group of shearwaters that have been given the name “muttonbirds” due to their habit of feeding on muttonbird chicks. This group includes the sooty shearwater, which is found in New Zealand, and the short-tailed shearwater, which is native to Australia.
The wedge-tailed shearwater is generally found in the open ocean, feeding on fish, squid, and crustaceans. It is also known to occasionally take advantage of dead animals and other food sources that it finds.
This species nests in burrows or on the ground and typically lays one egg. They are also known to scavenge for food during the breeding season.
During the non-breeding season, the wedge-tailed shearwaters migrate to the warm waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans in search of food.
They are known to travel long distances and have been recorded as far as South America and South Africa.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Ardenna |
| Species | A. pacifica |
18. Short-Eared Owl
The short-eared owl is a species of owl that is found in grasslands across the world. It is part of the family Strigidae, which includes other well-known owls, such as the barn owl and the great horned owl.
Owls from the genus Asio are known as eared owls because they have tufts of feathers on their heads that resemble mammalian ears. These tufts, also known as “ear” tufts, are not always visible and may depend on the owl’s posture.
The owl’s feathers may also hide them, or the tufts may be too small to be seen. The tufts protect the owl from predators and help them blend in with their environment.
They are also crucial for communication between owls, as they help the owl to communicate with its flock.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Asio |
| Species | A. flammeus |
19. Least Tern
The least tern is a species of small, long-winged tern that lives in North America and, more rarely, in northern parts of South America. It is closely related to the little tern of the Old World and was considered the same species for a long time.
Other birds closely related to the least tern are the yellow-billed tern and the Peruvian tern, both native to South America. The least tern is a migratory bird, spending the winter months in warmer climates and returning yearly to the same breeding grounds.
It is a slim bird with white feathers on its chest and back and a black cap on its head. Its wings are pointed, and grayish-black and its beak is yellowish-orange.
The least tern is a vocal bird that makes various calls while in flight. The least tern is a coastal species and prefers to make nests on beaches, sandbars, or other sandy areas.
It lays two to four eggs in a shallow scrape in the sand, and both parents will incubate the eggs for around three weeks.
Once hatched, the chicks are fed a variety of small fish or insects by their parents and will remain with them until they can fly. The least tern is considered a species of most minor concern by the IUCN, although its population is declining due to habitat destruction and human disturbance.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect its breeding grounds and ensure its survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Sternula |
| Species | S. antillarum |
20. White-Tailed Tropicbird
The white-tailed tropicbird is a species of seabird belonging to the order Phaethontiformes, including other tropic and frigatebirds.
This species is the smallest of the three closely related species of tropicbirds and the smallest of all the seabirds in the tropical oceans. It has a white body with black and white wings and a long, white tail for which it is named.
It is found in the tropical Atlantic, western Pacific, and Indian Oceans, feeding on small fish, squid, and crustaceans. Its breeding habitat is typically coastal islands and reefs, where it nests in colonies and builds its nests on the ground.
During the breeding season, the white-tailed tropicbird’s plumage is more vibrant and colorful, with a red bill and yellow-orange facial wattles. The species plays a vital role in the ocean’s food web, as it is a significant predator of small fish and other marine animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phaethontiformes |
| Family | Phaethontidae |
| Genus | Phaethon |
| Species | P. lepturus |
21. Long-Billed Dowitcher
The long-billed dowitcher is a medium-sized shorebird in the Scolopacidae family, commonly known as sandpipers. It is easily recognizable by its relatively long bill.
In breeding plumage, the adult has a rufous head and underparts that are complimented by a darker-mottled back. A large white upper rump is also present, though this is only seen when the bird is in flight.
The combination of these features makes the long-billed dowitcher an aesthetically pleasing bird. The long-billed dowitcher is a migratory species, and it can be found in many parts of the world, including North America, South America, Asia, and Europe.
They prefer to live in wetland habitats, such as marshes, lakes, and ponds, where they can feed on small insects, worms, crustaceans, and fish. During the breeding season, they will form monogamous pairs and build a nest in the ground, usually near water.
The female will lay a clutch of eggs, which both parents will take turns incubating. Once the eggs hatch, the parents feed and care for the chicks until they are ready to fledge. The long-billed dowitcher is an essential species due to its role in the ecosystem.
They help to aerate the soil in wetland habitats, which helps to prevent flooding and keep the water clean. They also act as a food source for other animals, such as fish, snakes, and birds of prey.
As such, their habitats must remain undisturbed so that they can continue to thrive in their natural environments.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Limnodromus |
| Species | L. scolopaceus |
Conclusion
Johnston Atoll is a crucial stopover point for migratory birds, providing them a haven to rest and refuel during their long journeys. It is also an essential habitat for resident species, such as the White Tern, Brown Booby, and Band-rumped Storm Petrel.
The atoll’s remote location in the Pacific Ocean makes it a unique and vital part of the global birding community. With appropriate conservation measures in place, Johnston Atoll can continue to provide a haven for migratory birds and a home for resident species.