Best time to travel to Great Barrier Reef

Breeding and Nesting Sea Birds in Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef is great for underwater activities, but what happens above might be so much more exciting during summer!

Best time: January

Breeding and Nesting Sea Birds
Breeding and Nesting Sea Birds

So much love around cannot be disappointing! Especially if it's in the air with thousands of birds breeding and nesting in the middle of summer on the sandy shores. There are up to 100 000 individual birds around during this time, breeding and nesting, offering you one of the cutest sights on Earth.

Practical info

What is the time when the sea birds breed and nest in great barrier reef the most?

The best time to watch sea birds mating and nesting in Great Barrier Reef is during December and January, the summer season in the area. During this season, schools of birds fly to sandy shores to reproduce, and visitors can witness an incredible sight as up to 100,000 individual birds congregate on sandy shores. Show more

What are some popular spots to see sea birds nesting in Great Barrier Reef?

Lady Elliot Island, Bird Island, Whitehaven Beach, Low Isle, and Heron Island are some of the most popular locations to observe sea birds nesting in the Great Barrier Reef. These areas are home to a large number of sea birds building nests on sandy shores, and visitors can enjoy the view of these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. Show more

What are some sea bird species that can be observed during the breeding season in Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef is the habitat of various sea bird species, including some that are exclusive to the region. Some bird species that are seen frequently during the breeding season include the Brown Noddy, Lesser Noddy, Black-naped Tern, Sooty Tern, Australian Pelican, and Red-footed Booby. Tourists can enjoy watching these birds create their nests and care for their young ones while also observing some of their intricate courtship rituals. Show more

What are some things that impact the breeding and nesting sea bird populations in Great Barrier Reef?

Various factors can affect the breeding and nesting sea bird populations living in the Great Barrier Reef. Coral bleaching resulting from growing water temperatures is one. Certain feeding and breeding grounds have been destroyed as well. Besides, human activities such as boating, pollution, and oil spills have also impacted several nesting species, resulting in their decline. Nevertheless, conservation initiatives are supporting local communities to improve marine life conservation efforts. Show more

For how long does the breeding and nesting season last for sea birds in Great Barrier Reef?

The duration of the breeding and nesting season for sea birds on the Great Barrier Reef depends on the species. Some species mate year-round, whereas others breed for a few months specifically. Generally speaking, the breeding season begins in November and extends through April. Breeding peaks in December and January, and visitors should do their research on their favorite species to prepare their journey accordingly, preventing any disappointment. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin