Birds in the Maldives – The beauty of birds

The Maldives is a coral atoll chain formed by minor elevations just on the Chagos-Lacadive underwater plateau, which rises from the deep Indian Ocean. The plateau has served as a home for reef-building corals, which have soared to the surface. There are approximately 1,190 coral islands in total, divided into 26 atolls (200 populated islands plus 80 tourist resort islands), with an elevation range of about 1.6 meters above sea level.
They are all surrounded by lush reefs, which provide the only protection from rough seas. The islands are mostly flat, with only a few mounds. There are no mountains, hills, or rivers. Some of the larger islands have small freshwater lakes, while others have saltwater with mangroves growing along the edges. The lowest point is 0m in the Indian Ocean, and the highest point is 2.4m high.

In the Maldives, between 160 and 180 various varieties of seabirds, shorebirds, and land birds have indeed been recorded. Because of the small size of the archipelagos and shorelines, seabirds are by far the most prevalent occupant birds in the country, and terrestrial birds are scarce in comparison to other tropical islands. The rest of the species, like the human tourists, are migrating visitors from Europe, vagrants, or imported species.
If you are looking for activities in Maldives and you are staying at a property like Atmosphere Kanifushi be sure to ask the staff if a bird-watching excursion can be facilitated.

Only 13 to 15 pelagic bird species have been identified as nesting and breeding in the Maldives.
Two frigate birds, as well as two noddies, the Audubon's shearwater and the magnificent white-tailed tropicbird, breed in the Maldives. The gorgeous fairy tern can be found on Addu atoll within the country's deep south.

Seabirds are absolutely critical to islanders, particularly fishermen. Flocks of seabirds are an important indicator of tuna schools. Tuna hunt and continue pursuing small fish, that are also eaten by seabirds. The presence of a large number of seabirds usually indicates the presence of huge tuna schools beneath. This technique is still used by fishermen today to catch large amounts of tuna.

Keeping birds as pets is also a common practice in the Maldives, and it has been so for centuries. This has undoubtedly contributed to the extinction of numerous bird species with in Maldives.
Other factors, such as the construction of resorts and local airports, the destruction of mangroves, land reclamation, the development of local islands, population growth, and an increase in tourist arrivals, have made an enormous contribution to the disruption of roosting and nesting.