Birnie Bird Reserve

Birnie Bird Reserve is a sanctuary of global significance located on the small, uninhabited Birnie Island within the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), a UNESCO World Heritage site. This low-lying coral atoll, barely rising above sea level, is free from introduced predators such as cats or rats, making it an exceptionally safe haven for ground-nesting seabirds. It serves as a vital breeding ground for thousands of birds, including the Masked Booby, Great Frigatebird, and the Sooty Tern. The interior of the island features a shallow, hypersaline lagoon that attracts various migratory species. Due to its status as a strictly protected zone, access is extremely limited to scientists and conservationists, ensuring that the delicate ecosystem remains undisturbed. The island’s vegetation is sparse, consisting mainly of low shrubs and grasses, which provides the excellent environment for species that nest directly on the sandy soil. Birnie represents one of the most pristine examples of a central Pacific bird colony, where the ancient rhythms of migration and nesting continue as they have for millennia, far from human development.

Nearby cities

Betio

Betio is the economic center of Kiribati, located in the southwest of Tarawa Atoll.

Bikenibeu

Bikenibeu is a significant settlement in the southeast of South Tarawa.

Teaoraereke

Teaoraereke is a populous village in South Tarawa.

Temwaiku

Temwaiku is a rapidly growing settlement at the eastern end of South Tarawa.

Eita

Eita is a village located in the center of South Tarawa.

South Tarawa

South Tarawa is the capital and most populous area of the Republic of Kiribati.

Bairiki

Bairiki is the administrative center of South Tarawa.

Bairiki Business District

Bairiki serves as the economic and administrative center of South Tarawa, housing the country's main banks and government offices.

Bonriki

Bonriki is the easternmost village of South Tarawa and site of the international airport.

Tabwakea

Tabwakea is the largest settlement on Kiritimati, the world's largest coral island.

Banana

Banana is a village on Kiritimati island located right next to the Cassidy International Airport.

Marakei Atoll

Marakei is a unique, circular atoll famous for its closed lagoon and the 'Te Kabaia' welcoming rituals at four sacred shrines.

Rawannawi

Rawannawi is the largest settlement on the Marakei atoll.

Abemama Atoll

Abemama is a historically significant atoll where the British protectorate was declared in 1892 and author Robert Louis Stevenson once li…

Poland

Poland is a small village on the Kiritimati atoll.

History & landmarks

Kanton Island

Kanton is the only inhabited atoll in the Phoenix Islands, boasting a massive and nearly completely enclosed lagoon.

Manra Rim

Manra is a nearly closed atoll in the Phoenix Islands.

Manra Island

Manra Island is a circular atoll in the Phoenix group, featuring a hypersaline lagoon that is completely cut off from the sea.

Orona Island

Orona Island, also known as Hull Island, is a large atoll with a shallow lagoon and numerous passes that allow constant water exchange.

Nikumaroro Atoll

This elongated coral atoll has a distinct reef rim and a central lagoon.

Arorae Navigational Stones

A series of historical stones (Te Kanawa) used by early inhabitants for celestial and maritime navigation between islands.

🗺️

Beru Traditional Maneaba

A historical meeting house on Beru Island, considered the spiritual and political center of Kiribati culture.

Nature

Birnie Island

Birnie Island is a very small, uninhabited atoll in the Phoenix Islands, almost entirely dominated by seabird populations.

Birnie Island Bird Sanctuary

Birnie is a very small, dry island almost entirely covered by low scrub.

🗺️

Enderbury Island

Enderbury Island is a key nature reserve in the Phoenix Islands, famous as one of the most significant nesting sites for green sea turtles.

🗺️

Enderbury Island Nature Reserve

Enderbury is a small coral island without a lagoon, serving as a critical breeding area for green sea turtles.

🗺️

Kanton Atoll Lagoon

Kanton's lagoon is the largest in the Phoenix archipelago and hosts exceptional marine biodiversity.

🗺️

Rawaki Island

Rawaki Island, formerly known as Phoenix Island, is an uninhabited nature paradise with a shallow lagoon and thousands of seabirds.

Rawaki Island Nature Reserve

Rawaki, formerly known as Phoenix Island, is an important nesting site for up to 15 different seabird species.

Manra Island Sanctuary

Manra is a nearly circular atoll with a saline lagoon that has no connection to the sea.

More places

Nikumaroro Settlement Ruins

Ruins of a short-lived 1930s settlement, famous for being a focus of searches for the missing aviator Amelia Earhart.