The remote atolls of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are a sanctuary for migratory shorebirds of the Indian Ocean. Every year, flocks arrive to feed and rebuild strength after the long flight from the Northern Hemisphere.
More than ninety recorded species illustrate how isolation shapes resilience. The endemic Cocos Buff-banded Rail, curious white terns, and noddies represent the resident community. Seasonal migrants including sandpipers, plovers, and godwits, trace ancient routes across the ocean. Red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and tropicbirds breed in the protected environment of North Keeling Island.
Together, they make the islands one of the most rewarding birdwatching destinations in remote Australia.
Iconic birds to look for
Each bird species on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands tells a story of survival and adaptation. Some are permanent residents, while others travel thousands of kilometres across the Indian Ocean each year to rest and feed.
Cocos Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis andrewsi)
Endemic to the Cocos Islands, this small, secretive rail is known by the Cocos Malay as ayam hutan (“chicken of the forest”). Once widespread across the southern atoll, the species vanished from inhabited islands following early settlement. For decades it survived only on North Keeling, protected by distance from the Southern Atoll.
Today, thanks to a successful recovery program, the endemic bird of the Cocos Keeling Islands can once again be found on Direction and Horsburgh Islands. Look for them foraging quietly beneath coconut palms or darting through the undergrowth near picnic areas.
Red-footed Booby (Sula sula)
The red-footed booby is the most abundant seabird in the Cocos Islands, and one of the most striking. The adult’s soft white plumage with coral-red feet and a powder-blue bill is unmistakable against the turquoise lagoon.
Although their breeding colonies are now restricted to North Keeling Island, which shelters about 6 percent of the world’s population, these agile flyers often glide south toward the main atoll to feed. Watch for them circling high above West Island or resting on channel markers in the lagoon between flights.
White Tern (Gygis alba)
Also known as the fairy tern, this delicate, snow-white bird hovers effortlessly above the beach, curious about any movement below. It’s one of the most visible resident birds of the Cocos Islands, nesting year-round on both West and Home Islands.
White Terns are famous for their unique nesting behaviour, laying a single egg directly onto a bare branch or the crook of a tree. Spot them during calm mornings, gliding over the reef edge or roosting in beach-side trees.
Great Frigate (Fregata minor)
With their immense wingspans and effortless flight, frigatebirds rule the Cocos skies.
These masters of the air feed almost exclusively on flying fish and squid, often snatching prey in mid-air or stealing from other seabirds. Look up from the Yacht Club or Scout Park and you’ll likely see their slender silhouettes soaring on thermals, barely moving a wing.
Best time for birdwatching
Birdwatching on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands shifts with the rhythm of the trade winds and tides.
From October to April, the atoll becomes a vital resting ground for migratory shorebirds of the Indian Ocean, travelling thousands of kilometres from their Arctic breeding grounds to feed and replenish their energy.
Resident species including white terns, noddies, and the endemic Cocos buff-banded rail can be found year-round, while the arrival of sandpipers, plovers, and godwits adds a seasonal buzz to the lagoons and tidal flats.
Best places for birdwatching
There are excellent birdwatching opportunities all over the Cocos Keeling Islands. You can observe a variety of species from West and Home Islands, or venture to the uninhabited islets for a glimpse of birds in their untouched, natural habitats.
West Island
Around the main settlement, white terns, white-breasted waterhens, and green jungle fowl are everyday companions.
The grassy verge along the runway often attracts rufous night herons, guinea fowl, and grey plovers, while western reef egrets and white-faced herons can be seen picking along the reef edge at low tide.
For wider horizons, head south to Scout Park or the Yacht Club, where boobies and red-tailed tropicbirds patrol the skies.
Dedicated birders may also venture inland toward the small lake near the Wild Coconut Discovery Centre. It’s a rewarding but rugged spot. The area is unmaintained and the track can be muddy (especially after rain).
Home Island
A short ferry ride reveals another perspective on island life and ecology. White terns flutter above the village paths, while rufous night herons stalk the shallows.
Direction Island
While the Rip is a highlight underwater, don’t miss the opportunity to observe the Cocos Islands’ only endemic species, the Cocos buff-banded rail. You’ll find it foraging near the picnic shelters or scurrying through the undergrowth.
South Island
The second-largest island becomes a haven for migratory shorebirds during the doldrums season.
Part of the popular Motorised Canoe Tour, South Island’s open beaches and lagoons host sandpipers, plovers, and tattlers feeding among the coral flats.
Customised tours can focus on birdwatching, providing time to move slowly through feeding zones and photograph species in natural light — an ideal experience for the serious birder seeking ethical, low-impact encounters.
Planning your birding trip to Cocos
For the best chance to see a wide variety of species and observe them in their natural habitat, join a guided birdwatching tour with Birding Tours Australia or Indian Ocean Experiences. Expert guides will take you to the most productive locations around the atoll, giving you the best opportunity to spot rare and migratory birds in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
Independent birdwatchers can easily explore West, Home, and Direction Islands by ferry, where resident species such as the white tern and Cocos buff-banded rail are commonly sighted. For the more remote islands like South and Horsburgh, local skippers offer flexible charters that can be tailored to your itinerary or specific birdwatching goals.
Whether you head out with an experienced guide or prefer to explore at your own pace, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands rank among the best birdwatching destinations in Australia.
Get in touch with our Visitor Centre team for local advice, maps, and tips to help you plan your perfect birdwatching trip.
