Seychelles Birding Tours
Located off the east coast of Africa, Seychelles is an archipelago of more than 100 islands including some of the most beautiful islands in the Indian ocean. This island nation is situated approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) east of mainland Africa, and its unique geography has been shaped mostly by years of volcanic activity and erosion. The inner islands of Seychelles, including Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, are granitic in origin and are characterized by towering granite peaks, lush tropical forests, and picturesque valleys. The highest point in Seychelles, Morne Seychellois, is located on Mahé and rises to an elevation of 2,969 feet (905 meters). The outer islands of Seychelles are coral atolls, formed from the accumulation of coral and limestone. These islands are generally flat and low-lying, with coral reefs and crystal-clear waters surrounding them. The coral islands are home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles, manta rays, and, whale sharks.
Seychelles has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity levels throughout the year. The coastline of Seychelles is characterized by stunning beaches, coves, and bays, with crystal-clear waters and coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and diving. Seychelles is renowned for its commitment to conservation and sustainability. Over 50% of the country’s land area is protected as national parks and reserves, and the government has implemented numerous initiatives to protect the country’s unique biodiversity and ecosystems.
Seychelles, like many islands, holds a number of endemic birds. In order to see as many of these unique birds as possible, a visit to multiple islands is necessary. Mahé, the largest island, is home to some fantastic species, and is a convenient place to start our Seychelles birding tours.
Read More About Seychelles
Two of the main targets on Mahé include Seychelles Scops Owl and Seychelles White-eye. Seychelles Scops Owl is one of the trickier species to find listening out for its nocturnal, frog-like call and then tracking it down is the best way to find it. Seychelles White-eye which was once considered Critically Endangered, has been downlisted to Vulnerable, and with some luck and local expertise, it should be possible to spot this species.
Other endemics that can be found on Mahé, although they also occur elsewhere, include Seychelles Blue Pigeon, Seychelles Swiftlet, Seychelles Kestrel, Seychelles Sunbird, and Seychelles Bulbul. Yellow Bittern, Crab-plover, among other waders, will also be of interest. From Mahé, the next stop is Praslin, the second-largest island, where the main target is Seychelles Black Parrot. The best place to spot this species is in the Vallée de Mai, a nature reserve with mature palm forests where the parrots breed.
Praslin is also a convenient base for day or overnight trips to smaller islands nearby, such as La Digue. This island is home to Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher.
Other important islands are Aride and Cousin Island. A visit to one of these islands is necessary to see the remaining three endemics: Seychelles Fody, Seychelles Warbler, and Seychelles Magpie-Robin.
Seychelles, in particular some of the smaller islands that we will visit, are renowned for their remarkable diversity of tropical seabirds, with species such as White, Bridled and Sooty Terns, Lesser and Brown Noddies, Masked, Brown and Red-footed Boobies, Greater and Lesser Frigatebirds, Tropical and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, and White-tailed and Red-tailed Tropicbirds all being possible. Many of these birds breed in large colonies in the Seychelles. Most visits allow visitors to experience these incredible colonies.
In terms of mammals, the Seychelles Flying Foxes are striking and a fantastic endemic species. Various Cetaceans can be seen, with more regular species like Pantropical Spotted and Common Bottlenose Dolphins and a chance for some rarer species.
Located closer to the Comoros and Madagascar than the main Seychelles Archipelago, Aldabra is a remote and uninhabited atoll that is home to several endemic species. For the more adventurous and dedicated birders, a cruise to Aldabra Island is necessary to see Aldabra Drongo, Aldabra Rail (sometimes considered a flightless race of White-throated Rail), Aldabra Fody, and Aldabra White-eye and several other interesting species and subspecies.”