Nature and Science

Collared kingfisher at the Pola Island overlook.

NPS

 

Bristle-thighed Curlew (Tuli'olovalu)

NPS

Bird Life in Samoa

At first glance, Samoa may not seem particularly rich in bird life. There are no gulls following ships or gathering at the harbor, and in town, the birds are mostly recent introductions from Asia, such as bulbuls and mynas. However, a closer look reveals a surprisingly diverse and vibrant avian population.

Samoa’s skies and shores host a variety of sea birds, including terns, boobies, frigatebirds, petrels, and shearwaters, which come to the islands to breed. Migratory shorebirds, such as the bristle-thighed curlew from Alaska, spend the winter here during Samoa's summer. The islands also boast a nearly intact native rainforest that provides a home for a range of resident forest birds.

Among the forest species, you'll find honeyeaters and tropical doves and pigeons. Noteworthy species include the striking cardinal honeyeater and wattled honeyeater, both of which are easily seen, as well as the endemic Samoan starling. More elusive, and often wary due to their popularity as local delicacies, are the Pacific pigeon, ground dove, and two species of fruit dove.

With its variety of species, careful observers will find that Samoa is indeed rich in bird life, from seabirds and migrants to native forest dwellers.

Birds checklist.