Birders Wanted! The Varied Birds of the USVI

The US Virgin Islands are an incredible destination for nature lovers, offering a stunning array of birdwatching opportunities. Whether you’re an avid birder or just someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, there’s so much to see and learn.

We recommend you join us for a guided kayak and/or hiking tour (available on both St. Thomas and St. John) to enjoy the benefit of a local’s eye. Our guides can help you spot birds and other creatures you may otherwise miss on your own and provide a wealth of local knowledge on the flora and fauna.

Here are some of the incredible birds you may see when you’re here in the Virgin Islands:

Bananaquits and hummingbirds are the active sugar lovers of the island mornings. You can see these fast moving little birds chirping at sunrise, seeking out sugar feeders and any bloom they can find.

Osprey, red-tailed hawks, and American kestrels are the main raptors you are likely to spot in the VI. Osprey’s love of fish keeps them by the water, while the tiny kestrels, known locally as “keely-keely” birds, can often be seen hunting small lizards on land.

Boobies, pelicans, and laughing gulls are the sea birds who love to frequent the beaches and docks around St. Thomas and St. John. The pelicans are particularly fun to watch as they dive into the water at fast speeds to snag fish.

Herons and egrets are always a treat to watch as they hunt in both the daylight and nighttime hours around the Virgin Islands. These birds particularly love the shorelines and mangrove regions, poking around near the water’s edge looking for crabs, lizards, and other tasty treats. Some of the species you can expect to see here are the yellow-crowned night heron, the green heron, the great blue heron, and the great egret.

Other less frequent birds that are a real treat to spot include flamingos, ibis, cormorants, and terns. These will often be dependent on weather patterns and the time of year.

This photo guide by the National Park Service is fun to explore more of, if you’re interested in diving deeper.

Whether you’re exploring the mangroves, beaches, or tropical mountaintops, the US Virgin Islands promise an unforgettable adventure for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.