Birding

With a land area of only 38.7 square miles, Yap offers lush tropical forest, grassland, savanna and scrubby brush as well as low-lying wetlands that are particularly important to migratory birds. Yap is also blessed with several indigenous species: Yap Greater White Eye and the Plain White Eye.

Yap’s unique ancient stone walking paths are readily accessible and an excellent way to enjoy the interior of the forest and its inhabitants. Due to the nearly constant presence of both sun and rain with an average daytime temperature of 86o, the shimmering greenery and foliage is unsurpassed. Hibiscus, orchid, ironwood, eucalyptus, mahogany, papaya, banana, coconut palm, cherry, soursop, plumeria, bread fruit, banana, cassava, taro, papaya, betel nut and a variety of medicinal plants are the perfect environment for the island’s fauna.

The lack of any predatory animals, or of snakes, allows the whole family to enjoy Yap’s abundant environment. Local guides can take you on a unique island adventure in a single day due to the relatively compact nature of the island’s ecosystems.

Note: Trails, lands, beaches and reef areas are privately owned. When entering these areas, please follow the designation of a local guide.

Yap state, IBA Code FSM016, is treated separately as part of one Endemic Bird Area, (192) the East Caroline Islands.

• Land area: 100 km² / 38.7 square miles
• Altitude: 0 – 150 meters
• Average Temp: 30c / 86f

The Birds

Yellow Bittern	Yap Greater White Eye	Yap Monarch	White Tern
White Browed Rail	Whimbler	Wandering Tattler	Sooty Tern
Ruddy Turnstone	Red Footed Booby	Pacific Reef Heron	Nutmeg Mannikin
Micronesian Pigeon	Lesser Golden Pover	Great Frigate Bird	Great Crested Tern
Cardinal Honeyeater	Brown Noddy	Brown Boobey	Bridled White Eye
White Tailed Tropicbird	Black Noddy	Cicada Bird	Micronesian Starling
Black Neped Tern	Audubon Shearwater	Rufous Fantail