Saint Helena is a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean, located 1,200 miles off the coast of Angola. It is known for its rich flora and fauna, including a unique bird population.
The island is home to various birds, ranging from seabirds to land birds and from endemic species to migratory birds. The birdlife in Saint Helena is a significant aspect of the island’s natural heritage, and it is a popular destination for birdwatchers and ornithologists from around the world.
This article will explore the different types of birds found in Saint Helena and their ecological significance.
24 Common Birds Found Near Saint Helena
Saint Helena is a small South Atlantic island known for its unique flora and fauna. While the avian population on the island is not as diverse as some other places due to its isolation, several bird species still can be commonly found there.
Here are 24 common birds found near Saint Helena:
1. Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is a beautiful bird, easily identified by its bright red plumage. It can be found in the eastern United States from Maine to Minnesota and south through Mexico and Belize.
Along with its striking coloration, it has a distinctive crest on its head and sharp black facial markings around the eyes.
Despite their small size (7-9 inches), they are very vocal birds – males sing persistently throughout springtime to attract mates or proclaim their territory.
They typically feed on insects, seeds, and fruits but enjoy suet at backyard bird feeders.
The female is less brightly colored than her mate but still stands out among other songbirds due to her warm brownish-red feathers.
Cardinals pair for life so you may often see them together in your garden or neighbourhood park.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Cardinalis |
| Species | C. cardinalis |
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2. Chukar
Chukar is a Palearctic upland gamebird belonging to the pheasant family. It has distinctive black and white bars on its flanks, brown upperparts, and buff underparts.
Its head is grey with an off-white face, throat, and crest, which turns chestnut in males during the breeding season.
The Chukar typically lives in dry regions like open terrain or semi-arid hillsides, feeding mainly on seeds and invertebrates.
During winter, they tend to inhabit more wooded areas, seeking shelter from harsh winds or snow storms.
They are social birds living in groups of up to 20 individuals but will pair off when mating season arrives.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Alectoris |
| Species | A. chukar |
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3. Red-Billed Tropicbird
The Red-billed Tropicbird is a beautiful seabird found in tropical oceans. It has mainly white plumage, black markings on its wings and back, a black mask, and a red bill.
These birds have distinctive long tail streamers twice their body length, which they use to soar above the ocean surface while searching for food.
They primarily feed off squid, fish, and crustaceans that inhabit coral reefs or deep-sea areas where they can dive up to 30 meters below the water’s surface.
The Red-billed Tropicbird was once thought of as an omen of bad luck, but now it serves as a reminder of how delicate our marine ecosystems are when faced with human activity such as overfishing.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phaethontiformes |
| Family | Phaethontidae |
| Genus | Phaethon |
| Species | P. aethereus |
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4. Northern Storm Petrels
Northern storm petrels are one of the smallest seabirds, inhabiting oceans worldwide.
They can hover over water and pick planktonic crustaceans and small fish from the surface.
Northern storm petrels belong to the genus Hydrobates in the family Hydrobatidae, part of the Procellariiformes order.
This species was once lumped with austral storm petrel, but recent studies show that they weren’t closely related, leading to them being split into two distinct species.
These birds can be identified by their dark grey upperparts, wings, and white underparts when seen from afar while feeding on the ocean’s surface.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Hydrobatidae Mathews, 1912 |
| Genus | Hydrobates F. Boie, 1822 |
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5. Common Myna
The Common Myna is a bird native to Asia and belongs to the Sturnidae family. It has an omnivorous diet, strong territorial instinct, and is well adapted to urban environments.
With its range increasing rapidly, it was declared one of the most invasive species by IUCN in 2000. Its distinctive features include a black head with a yellow bill, a brown body, and white tips on wings & tail feathers.
The common myna communicates through loud clicking noises that can be heard from long distances in rural and urban areas.
They are known for their intelligence; they mimic sounds such as human speech or other birds’ calls making them popular pets among households too.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Acridotheres |
| Species | A. tristis |
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6. Cuckoos
Cuckoos are fascinating birds belonging to the Cuculidae family, the only taxon in Cuculiformes.
This family has many different species, such as common or European cuckoo, roadrunners, koels, malkohas, couas, and anis.
Some species may even be identified as separate families – Centropodidae and Crotophagidae.
These birds have been known for their unique features, such as loud calls heard consistently during certain times of day and night.
They also exhibit behavior like brood parasitism, where they lay eggs in other nests so that their chicks can get more food from host parents than their own.
All these traits make them one-of-a-kind creatures worth admiring.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Otidimorphae |
| Order | Cuculiformes Wagler, 1830 |
| Family | Cuculidae Leach, 1820 |
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7. Zebra Dove
The Zebra Dove is a species of bird belonging to the Columbidae family. It can be found in Southeast Asia and has predominantly brownish-grey feathers with black-and-white barring.
This dove stands out for its soft, pleasant cooing calls that sound like staccato notes when heard together. George Edwards described it in 1743 as part of his English naturalist work on birds.
They are small animals with long tails, making them easily identifiable even from afar due to their distinct color patterning.
These doves prefer open woodlands or grassy areas near human settlements where they feed on seeds and insects while nesting close by but still far enough away from disturbance caused by humans or other animals who might disrupt their habitat.
The zebra dove is considered an important symbol among some Asian cultures, representing love & beauty, reflecting how this little creature captures people’s hearts wherever it goes.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Geopelia |
| Species | G. striata |
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8. Brown Booby
The Brown Booby is a large seabird from the booby family Sulidae. It has a pantropical range and can be found in many areas of the world.
This bird lives in flocks and forages by plunging into shallow waters to catch small fish driven near the surface by predators or storms.
The brown booby is known for its short wings, which make it highly maneuverable when hunting; this allows it to pursue prey quickly with sudden turns and dives.
Its diet also includes squid, crustaceans, eggs of other birds, and scraps from boats or ships they may come across while flying around coastlines.
They sometimes rest on floating objects during long flights between islands or continents over open water.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
| Genus | Sula |
| Species | S. leucogaster |
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9. Rail
Rails are a diverse family of birds, ranging from small to medium size, living in habitats worldwide.
They can be found around wetlands and any other land-based environment except deserts, polar regions, or areas with persistent snow cover.
These ground-dwellers have short legs and long toes that help them maneuver through wetland vegetation easily.
They typically feed on insects and aquatic invertebrates but eat seeds and berries when available.
Species such as coots, crakes, and gallinules have evolved different bill shapes to allow them to navigate their environments more efficiently while searching for food.
Rails live alone or in pairs depending on the species; some migrate seasonally, while others remain at one location year-round.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
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10. Common Waxbill
The Common Waxbill is a beautiful small passerine bird native to sub-Saharan Africa.
It has become popular in captivity and can be found worldwide, with an estimated global extent of occurrence of 10 million km2.
Carl Linnaeus provided its formal description in 1758 as part of his Systema Naturae; he gave it the scientific name Estrilda astride.
This species is mainly greyish brown or olive green on its upper parts while having chestnut-colored wings and tail feathers tipped with white or creamy yellow.
They have red eyes, pink bills, and legs, giving them an attractive appearance overall.
The Common waxbill feeds primarily on grass seeds but occasionally takes insects. It breeds readily in aviaries, making it a great choice for avid bird keepers.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Genus | Estrilda |
| Species | E. astrild |
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11. Wilson’s Storm Petrel
Wilson’s storm petrel is a small seabird of the Oceanitidae family. A circumpolar species, it can be found in both the northern and southern hemispheres during summertime.
Its abundance population is estimated to be around 20 million birds as of 2022, making it one of Earth’s most populous bird species.
This nocturnal creature loves to feed on crustaceans, fish eggs, and larval fishes that they catch while flying over open waters near coasts or islands at night.
During daylight hours, Wilson’s Storm Petrel will rest in large groups and form colonies with fellow members for protection against predators like gulls and skuas, which steal their food supplies if given the opportunity.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Oceanitidae |
| Genus | Oceanites |
| Species | O. oceanicus |
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12. Brown Noddy
The Brown Noddy is a species of seabird in the Laridae family. It’s the largest of its kind and can be distinguished from others by its dark brown plumage, which stands out compared to other noddies with black feathers.
Found around tropical oceans worldwide, it inhabits areas such as Hawaii and Australia to the Tuamotu Archipelago in Polynesia.
During the breeding season, they form large colonies on remote islands where their nests are constructed using twigs and left atop trees or shrubs – typically located near water sources like lagoons or estuaries. Hence, they can access food items like small fish and squid that make up their diet.
As highly social birds, they often engage in synchronized flying displays over nesting sites before returning home at nightfall.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Anous |
| Species | A. stolidus |
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13. Sooty Tern
The Sooty Tern is a bird that lives in the tropics of all three major oceans. It is found mostly on remote islands, where it returns to nest and breed during its seasonal journeys.
Carl Linnaeus has described this member of the Laridae family as Sterna fuscata, though more recently, it was given its current name, Onychoprion fuscatus.
The sooty tern has dark grey wings and back, with white underneath for camouflage against predators when flying over open ocean waters; they are also adept at diving underwater in search of food, such as fish or crustaceans, which make up their diet.
They live in colonies and usually lay two eggs each year, incubating for about four weeks before hatching into fluffy little chicks.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Onychoprion |
| Species | O. fuscatus |
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14. White Tern
The White tern, also known as the common white tern or Fairy Tern, is a small seabird species found across tropical oceans worldwide.
Known for its elegance and beauty by humans and other animals, these birds are mesmerizing with snow-white feathers.
They can be seen soaring in high altitudes or circling ships at sea looking for food. The Hawaiian name ‘manu-o-Kū’ translates to ‘bird of heaven,’ reflecting how majestic this bird looks when it flies through the sky.
These lovely creatures often breed on isolated islands away from predators, along with another smaller species called Little White Terns (Gygis microrhyncha).
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Gygis |
| Species | G. alba |
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15. Wandering Albatross
The Wandering Albatross is a large seabird from the family Diomedeidae found in the Southern Ocean. It has white wings, black tips, and a long hooked bill.
With an impressive wingspan of up to 3m, they are one of the largest birds that can fly.
They spend most of their lives far out at sea, only coming to land for the breeding season on remote islands where they nest on cliffs or rocky areas close to the ocean.
The species was first described in 1783 but had been considered similar to other albatrosses, such as Tristan Albatross and Antipodean Albatross, until recently when it was recognized as an individual species due to genetic studies showing differences.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Diomedeidae |
| Genus | Diomedea |
| Species | D. exulans |
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16. Brown Skua
The brown skua is a large seabird found in subantarctic and Antarctic regions, often moving further north to find food when not breeding.
It has many names, including the Antarctic Skua, Southern Great Skua, or Hākoakoa (Māori).
Its taxonomy has been disputed, with some believing it should be split into two or three species like Falkland Skuas.
The Brown Skuas are mostly dark grey-brown on top with white bellies and have long wings that enable them to fly great distances over vast oceans searching for food.
They feed mainly on fish but also scavenge from other animals’ kills, such as penguins and petrels.
In their natural environment, they form strong social bonds that help protect their young ones against predators while nesting near colonies of birds in the grasslands surrounding Antarctica’s coasts.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Stercorariidae |
| Genus | Stercorarius |
| Species | S. antarcticus |
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17. Black Noddy
The Black Noddy bird is a medium-sized member of the Laridae family, identifiable by its black plumage and white cap.
It closely resembles the Lesser Noddy but has slightly darker feathers with dark lores instead of pale ones.
The species was first formally described in 1758, although it was previously considered part of Anous tenuirostris before being identified as a separate species.
They are usually found near tropical oceans or islands where they forage for food, such as crustaceans, mollusks, and insects during the day.
They roost on trees or shrubs close to shorelines at night while avoiding larger predators like sea eagles.
During breeding season females lay single eggs which both parents protect until hatching takes place around four weeks later.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Anous |
| Species | A. minutus |
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18. Java Sparrow
The Java sparrow is a small passerine bird from the estrildid finch family. It inhabits parts of Indonesia, including Java, Bali, and Bawean islands, but has also been introduced in many other countries as a popular cage bird.
Its size can vary from 13–14 cm, typically weighing around 20 grams. The feathers are brownish with white patches on their wings and tails, while males feature black heads with pink or bluish beaks.
They feed mainly on grains like rice, millet or sorghum which explains their nickname “Java Rice Bird”; however they have also developed an appetite for insects when living close to human settlements.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Genus | Padda |
| Species | P. oryzivora |
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19. Atlantic Yellow-Nosed Albatross
The Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross is a large seabird belonging to the albatross family Diomedeidae. It has gray and white plumage, with pale yellow markings around its nose and eyes.
This small mollymawk was once considered the same species as the Indian Yellow-Nosed Albatross, but now it is recognized as distinct.
Its diet consists of squid, fish eggs, and other marine creatures that can be found near the ocean’s surface.
It nests on islands off coastlines in southern Africa and South America during breeding season from October to April each year.
The Atlantic yellow-nosed albatrosses are typically solitary birds, yet they will congregate at nesting sites for mating purposes or form feeding flocks when food becomes abundant in an area.
They have been classified as vulnerable by the IUCN due to their decreasing population numbers caused by fishing activities that entangle them accidentally into nets.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Diomedeidae |
| Genus | Thalassarche |
| Species | T. chlororhynchos |
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20. Ring-Necked Pheasant
The Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is a stunning bird from the pheasant family. It has an iridescent green and gold plumage, bright red facial wattles, and white neck rings contrasting against its black tail feathers.
This elegant species can be found in fields, meadows, woodlands, and open areas across Northern Europe and East Asia, where it feeds on grain, insects, and other small animals. The male displays spectacular courtship rituals to attract mates.
He spreads his wings wide while making loud calls to signify dominance, which helps him establish territories for the breeding season.
Despite being hunted for food by humans or predators like foxes and cats, this magnificent creature remains one of nature’s most beautiful sights.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Phasianus |
| Species | P. colchicus |
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21. Common Moorhen
The common moorhen, also called waterhen or swamp chicken, belongs to the rail family and is widespread across various regions of the Old World.
These birds prefer to inhabit wetlands like canals, marshes, and ponds with rich vegetation. They are not found in polar regions or some tropical rainforests.
The species is known for its distinctive red forehead shield, which becomes more prominent during breeding season. Common moorhens usually feed on aquatic plants, small fishes, and invertebrates.
They are excellent swimmers and divers but can also walk on floating vegetation. When threatened, they can flee by diving and swimming underwater.
Overall, common moorhens are fascinating birds that add to the diversity of wetland ecosystems.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Gallinula |
| Species | G. chloropus |
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22. Pomarine Jaeger
The Pomarine jaeger is a migratory seabird that belongs to the skua family Stercorariidae. It spends winter at sea in tropical oceans.
Although its relationships are not entirely understood, its mitochondrial DNA is most similar to the great skua. At the same time, its behavior and morphology relate more to lesser skuas, such as the parasitic jaeger.
This bird’s distinctive features include a black cap and a thick, hooked bill that it uses to snatch fish from other seabirds.
It has a white belly and dark grey-brown plumage on its upper parts, making it easily recognizable as it reaps through the ocean in search of prey.
The Pomarine Jaeger is a fascinating bird that plays an important role in maintaining the ocean’s ecological balance.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Stercorariidae |
| Genus | Stercorarius |
| Species | S. pomarinus |
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23. St Helena Plover
The Saint Helena plover, famously known as the wirebird, is a small wading bird found only on the island of Saint Helena in the Atlantic Ocean.
It is unique and resembles other plovers, such as Kittlitz’s and Madagascar, in appearance, with the absence of chamois coloring, and is slightly larger.
Sporting thin legs, it was appropriately named after the thin wire. The bird holds special importance in St Helena as its national bird and has been on the country’s coin for recognition.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. sanctaehelenae |
24. Saint Helena Rail
The Saint Helena rail bird was a significant bird found in Saint Helena which lived during the early 16th century. It was a large flightless railbird and is said to have become extinct during this period.
The bird’s remains were discovered at Prosperous Bay in Saint Helena, and American ornithologist Alexander Wetmore studied and classified it into a new genus called Aphanocrex. Despite its apparent size, the bird could not fly and was considered a flightless species.
The Saint Helena railbird is a unique species and an essential part of the biodiversity in Saint Helena.
Unfortunately, this bird’s extinction serves as a reminder to us of the threats to biodiversity that exist.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | †Aphanocrex Wetmore, 1963 |
| Species | †A. podarces |
Conclusion
Saint Helena, despite its isolation in the South Atlantic Ocean, is home to a variety of bird species. From endemic species like the Saint Helena Plover to introduced species like the House Sparrow, the island boasts a diverse avian population.
Observing and appreciating these birds contributes to the rich natural heritage of Saint Helena and enhances the experience of visitors and residents alike.
