Kiritimati Island is a sanctuary and breeding ground in the Pacific for seabirds. With very little land in any direction, Kiritimati supports 18 different species of birds, including the endemic Christmas Island Warbler. The island is also home, and a population stronghold, to the endangered Phoenix Petrel and the White Throated Storm Petrel.
Supporting nine designated protected zones to support the breeding and nesting of the various bird species Kiritimati takes it role in supporting these birds very seriously. The Kiribati Ministry for Wildlife and Conservation is responsible for ensuring the breeding grounds are not disturbed.
While seabirds can nest and breed throughout the year, as there is little temperature fluctuation, the best breeding seasons are June and December.
In Central Kiribati the Phoenix Island Protected Area also supports an extensive bird colony and nesting habitat. For more information on the Phoenix Island protected area.
Birds found on Kiritimati Island are: phoenix shearwaters, wedge-tailed shearwaters, christmas shearwaters, audubon’s shearwaters, polynesian storm petrels, red-tailed tropicbirds, masked boobies, brown boobies, great frigate birds, red-footed boobies, lesser frigate birds, great crested terns, grey backed terns, sooty terns, brown noddies black noddies, blue-gray noddies, and white terns.
To arrange bird watching tours contact your accommodation who can arrange a personalised tour to suit your specific interests.