Birds of Fiji

Birds have traditionally been an important part of life in Fiji.  They have played a role in inter-island communication, their feathers have been used as trade items and prized for edging fine mats, while some have been important food sources.  Fiji does not have a large number of bird species, in fact only 27 endemic species, but some of those seen there can't be seen anywhere else in the world hence making conservation a primary concern for the people of Fiji.

There are 57 native breeding species of landbirds and 12 introduced species of landbirds, such as the Mynas and the Bulbul, that currently reside on the islands of Fiji.  There are also various species of seabirds, 20 species which breed in Fiji and 39 species which don't breed there, but migrate there.  There is only one endemic seabird species in Fiji, the Fiji Petrel, which is now critically endangered due to predation by cats, rats, and feral pigs.  A vaguely defined group of shorebirds, roughly 21 species, also exists which breed in the Arctic and escape to the Fiji islands for warmer temperatures during harsh winters.

Fiji Petrel Via http://leesbirdblog.files.wordpress.com/