Great Bird Island

Great Bird Island is a 20-acre islet located nearly three kilometers north of Antigua. Over 20,000 people visit Great Bird Island each year, most of whom see it as a "desert island" fantasy. Great Bird Island was named by sailors who were astounded by the number of birds they discovered living and nesting there. It is a little paradise. The main draw for visitors is the white sand beaches at each end of the sandbar.

While it is better known for its beautiful beaches and nearby coral reefs than for its wildlife, it is also the only spot where you may view an Antiguan racer in the wild. The island is home to the whole world's population of this snake. In addition to being the last refuge for the Antiguan racer, it is also home to a number of endangered species such as exotic red-billed tropicbirds (Phaeton astherus), brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis), rare lizards, West Indian whistling ducks, and the magnificent frigate bird or man o' warbird (Fregata magnificent).

Location: Antigua and Barbuda