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Galapagos Bird Calendar

Have you ever wanted to know the best time to see birds in the Galapagos? The islands are home to many unique bird species that can be seen throughout the year. This guide will show you when and where to watch these fascinating creatures.

Overview of Galapagos Bird Species

The Galapagos Islands offer a birdwatcher’s paradise with their unique and diverse avian life. These islands provide an unmatched natural setting, showcasing vibrant species that captivate visitors year-round.

Exploring the bird calendar of the Galapagos reveals the best times to witness fascinating behaviors and displays.

Galapagos harbors hundreds of bird species, many of which are endemic. This means you won’t find them anywhere else in the world! The iconic Blue-footed Booby, famous for its striking blue feet and peculiar mating dance, is just one example among many such unique birds.

Frigatebirds stand out too, especially during mating months when males inflate bright red throat sacs to attract females.

Observation timing matters very much here. Between January and March, visitors might miss spotting the Waved Albatross as they migrate away from these islands until April comes around again.

Ornithologists appreciate how each month offers different highlights in bird behavior — from nesting habits to frenzied feeding periods — making every visit truly special for wildlife tourism and ecological significance alike.

Monthly Birdwatching Highlights

Every month in the Galapagos brings something new for bird lovers. Discover which birds you can see and when they are most active!

January
Land birds like finches and warblers start nesting in January. They build nests to lay eggs and care for their young. This makes it a great time to see these birds up close. Mockingbirds and finches also perform mating rituals this month. Hawks come to Fernandina Island to hunt young marine iguanas. Birdwatchers can see these interactions firsthand. January is perfect for watching land birds nest.
February
Flamingos start nesting in February. Their bright pink feathers stand out as they build nests and lay eggs. You can spot them at lagoons and salt flats on many islands. Penguins move to cooler waters near Isabela and Fernandina Islands. They swim gracefully, hunting for fish. This is also the month when Pintail Ducks begin their breeding season. Nazca Booby’s nesting season ends in February. Watch them care for their chicks before they leave the nest. Meanwhile, Galapagos Doves begin to nest, making this a busy time for birdwatchers.
March
Frigatebirds start their mating season on San Cristobal and Genovesa. Look for them performing courtship displays. Male Frigatebirds puff up their red throat pouches to attract females. Waved Albatrosses return to Española in March. They come back for mating after spending months at sea. Penguins are also easy to spot around Isabela and Fernandina this month, often swimming in groups. Most migratory shorebirds begin to leave by the end of March. You might catch a glimpse of hawk chicks in their nests during this time too. This makes it a good chance for unique wildlife viewing experiences.
April
Waved Albatrosses perform courtship dances on Española in April. These dances are a sight to see. Blue-footed Boobies also start their mating season this month. Frigatebirds reach the peak of their mating season on Genovesa. Their bright red pouches become visible as they try to attract mates. Birdwatchers often flock here to witness these displays.
May
In April, birds were getting ready for the busy breeding season. Now in May, many bird species are active. The Waved Albatrosses begin to lay their eggs. This is a crucial time for them. Storm Petrels also start their nesting season now. They find safe spots to build nests and raise chicks. Meanwhile, Boobies are still in the middle of mating season. You can see them performing courtship displays. Frigatebirds begin laying eggs during this month too. Their nests become full with new life soon after that. Birdwatching in May offers great chances to see these incredible behaviors up close.
June
In June, many migratory birds visit the Galapagos. Short-eared Owls begin nesting on Genovesa Island. Their nests are easy to spot. Boobies also start their egg-laying season now. Watch them build nests and take care of their eggs. Frigatebirds show off their bright red pouches on North Seymour Island.
July
July is prime time for birdwatching in the Galapagos. Flightless Cormorants engage in courtship and nesting on Fernandina Island. These unique birds showcase their love dances and build nests using seaweed. American Oystercatchers nest on Santiago Island. Their bright bills stand out against the sand. Eggs of Boobies and Frigatebirds begin to hatch, making it a great month to see chicks. July also brings many migratory birds, adding even more excitement for wildlife lovers.
August
In August, flamingos start their mating rituals. Their bright pink feathers make them easy to spot. Frigatebird and Booby eggs keep hatching on North Seymour Island. On Genovesa, Swallow-tailed gulls nest. Many migratory shorebirds arrive in the Galapagos this month. Nazca Boobies are busy building nests. Galapagos Hawks engage in courtship displays. Watch for Galapagos Penguins migrating to central islands like Bartholomew. Red-Footed Boobies can also be seen on Genovesa during this period.
September
Galapagos Penguins start breeding in the central islands. Birdwatchers can spot them engaging in mating rituals. This is a great time to observe their behavior up close. Most sea birds also nest in September. Large colonies of birds make it easy to find and watch them. The nesting season brings high bird activity, making this month ideal for avian sightings.
October
In October, Blue-footed Booby chicks are often seen. They wobble around and practice using their blue feet. Nature lovers find it cute to watch them. Lava Herons start nesting this month too. You can spot these birds building nests near the water. This is a great time for observing bird species in action.
November
Brown Noddies start their breeding season in November. They gather in large colonies on the shores. You can see many nests on rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. Storm Petrels also nest for a second time this month. They use small burrows or crevices to hide their eggs. Watch these tiny birds flit above the ocean waves, feeding and returning to their nests. This is a great time for birdwatching at sea!
December
Albatross chicks mature enough to fly. They prepare for their big departure from Española. The adults and young will leave until March. Boobies become less common this month. They spend more time fishing in the open sea. This shift makes them harder to spot near land.
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Experience Galapagos’ incredible birdlife! From colorful land birds like mockingbirds and finches to majestic sea birds like blue-footed boobies and flamingos, explore diverse habitats and witness unique species in this remarkable archipelago.

Contact Us

Birdwatching in the Galapagos is a treat. Each month brings new sights and sounds. From the mating Frigatebirds to nesting penguins, there’s always something exciting happening. Plan your visit right and witness these amazing moments! The Galapagos bird calendar will guide you through it all.

Frecuently Asked Questions

A Galapagos Bird Calendar shows the best times to see different birds in the Galapagos Islands.

You can use it to plan trips and know when certain birds are most active or nesting.

Following a bird calendar helps you spot rare species and understand their seasonal behaviors.

Yes, it uses up-to-date data from experts who study these birds regularly.

This travel guide is updated on a regular basis, we try to make sure all information is accurate, yet we cannot be liable for any mistakes.

GalapagosIslands.travel the most complete guide for visitors to the Galapagos Islands