Seabirds

Fregata aquila

A large, aerial seabird endemic to Ascension Island, distinguished by its glossy black plumage, long, forked tail, and, in males, an inflatable red gular sac used in mating displays. It nests on Boatswain Bird Island and on now on the main island after successful feral cat eradication. Classified as Vulnerable, its total population is estimated around 25,000–32,000 individuals

Sula dactylatra

A common booby species on Ascension, recognizable by its white body with black wings and tail, straw-colored bill, and blue facial skin. It breeds in large colonies, particularly on offshore stacks and is a focal species in monitoring seabird recovery after cat eradication 

Sula leucogaster

Another resident booby, widespread around the coast and breeding islands. It shares similar ecology with the Masked Booby but has a darker plumage overall 

Sula sula

Present primarily on Boatswain Bird Island, this booby has distinctive red feet and feeds by plunge-diving into the ocean for fish. Recently found to be nesting on Letterbox thanks to successful cat eradication.  

Onychoprion fuscatus

The island’s airport “Wideawake” is named in their honor after the noise of seabird colonies kept residents awake, these graceful terns nest in large numbers on the main island’s in places like Mars Bay and Waterside

Gygis alba

A small, delicate tern with all-white plumage, often seen hovering even inland. Nests on cliffs and in trees particularly around Green Mountain. These curious birds often swoop down to get a closer look at hikers

Anous stolidus

A medium-sized, dark seabird found across the island's coastal sites. While common, it's less abundant than the tern species.

Anous minutus

Similar in size to the Brown Noddy but darker. Breeds mainly on Boatswain Bird Island

Phaethon aethereus

Striking white seabirds with long tail streamers and red beaks, often seen gliding near the coast or over sea stacks 

Phaethon lepturus

This tropicbird has a distinctive white tail and yellow beak. Most frequently encountered along Ascension’s seaward edges

Oceanodroma sp.

A small pelagic bird that nests only near Letterbox and BBI and is rarely seen elsewhere. Can be seen gliding over the waves and spends most of its time out at sea. It is thought the Ascension storm petrels may be their own distinct species.