Sable Island National Park

Birds

Sable Island is an important stopover point for migratory birds and home to a variety of seabirds that thrive in its remote and windswept environment.

Ipswich Sparrow
A subspecies of the Savannah sparrow, the Ipswich sparrow is endemic to Sable Island, where it nests among the dunes. It is specially adapted to the island’s sandy habitat and is one of its most distinctive bird species.

Common Tern
These graceful seabirds are often seen hovering over the waters around Sable Island, diving to catch small fish. They nest in colonies on the island during the summer months.

Great Black-backed Gull
As one of the largest gull species, the great black-backed gull is a dominant predator on the island, feeding on fish, smaller birds, and even seal afterbirth.

Herring Gull
These familiar seabirds are commonly found on Sable Island, scavenging along the beaches and nesting among the dunes. Their loud calls are a defining sound of the coastline.

Leach’s Storm-Petrel
A nocturnal seabird that nests in burrows, Leach’s storm-petrel is a common visitor to Sable Island. These small birds spend most of their lives at sea, only coming to land to breed.

Northern Gannet
Recognizable by their striking white plumage and long, pointed wings, northern gannets are often seen diving into the ocean from great heights to catch fish.

Peregrine Falcon
Occasionally seen on the island, peregrine falcons are fierce hunters known for their incredible speed. They prey on smaller birds and are often spotted during migration periods.

Black-legged Kittiwake
These small, elegant gulls are common around Sable Island, feeding on fish near the surface of the ocean. They are easily identified by their black wingtips and high-pitched calls.

Common Eider
A large sea duck, common eiders can be found in the waters around Sable Island, especially during the winter. They are known for their dense down feathers, which have been used historically for insulation.

Red-throated Loon
These migratory waterbirds pass through Sable Island during their seasonal movements. They are excellent divers, catching fish underwater with remarkable agility.

Sable Island National Park is a truly unique ecosystem, offering a haven for wildlife that thrives in its isolated and ever-changing landscape. From its wild horses to its abundant birdlife, it remains a fascinating destination for nature lovers.

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Sable Island National Park, a remote and windswept sandbar in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Nova Scotia, is known for its rich biodiversity, despite its harsh environment. This unique island is home to resilient wildlife species that have adapted to its ever-shifting dunes and harsh coastal conditions.

Sable Island Horses
The most famous residents of Sable Island, these wild horses are believed to be descendants of animals brought to the island in the 18th century. They have adapted to the harsh environment, surviving on sparse vegetation and freshwater ponds scattered across the island. These horses are completely unmanaged, living in a truly wild state.

Grey Seal
Sable Island hosts the world’s largest breeding colony of grey seals. Every winter, thousands of these seals haul out onto the beaches to give birth and mate. Their distinctive long snouts and large, expressive eyes make them a favorite among visitors.

Harbor Seal
While less common than the grey seal, harbor seals also frequent Sable Island. They are smaller and tend to be more elusive, preferring to rest on remote stretches of beach or near sandbars.

Red Fox
Though not a permanent resident, red foxes have been sighted on the island in the past, likely arriving via ice floes from the mainland. Their presence is sporadic, but they are known for their adaptability and keen hunting skills.

Atlantic Cod
Once abundant in the waters surrounding Sable Island, Atlantic cod are a key species in the region’s marine ecosystem. Though populations have declined due to overfishing, they remain an important predator in the food chain.

American Lobster
These crustaceans thrive in the rocky seabed areas around Sable Island. The cold Atlantic waters provide an ideal habitat for lobsters, which are a valuable part of the local marine ecosystem.

Leatherback Sea Turtle
One of the largest sea turtles in the world, leatherbacks occasionally pass by Sable Island during their long migrations. They feed on jellyfish and are known for their ability to withstand colder waters.

Basking Shark
These massive, slow-moving sharks are often seen near the island during the summer months. They are filter feeders, harmless to humans, and play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem by consuming large amounts of plankton.

Bluefin Tuna
A highly migratory species, bluefin tuna travel through the waters around Sable Island. Known for their incredible speed and strength, they are apex predators that help regulate fish populations.

Harbor Porpoise
These small, shy marine mammals can sometimes be spotted in the waters around Sable Island. They are known for their quick, darting movements and prefer shallow coastal waters.

Birds

Sable Island is an important stopover point for migratory birds and home to a variety of seabirds that thrive in its remote and windswept environment.

Ipswich Sparrow
A subspecies of the Savannah sparrow, the Ipswich sparrow is endemic to Sable Island, where it nests among the dunes. It is specially adapted to the island’s sandy habitat and is one of its most distinctive bird species.

Common Tern
These graceful seabirds are often seen hovering over the waters around Sable Island, diving to catch small fish. They nest in colonies on the island during the summer months.

Great Black-backed Gull
As one of the largest gull species, the great black-backed gull is a dominant predator on the island, feeding on fish, smaller birds, and even seal afterbirth.

Herring Gull
These familiar seabirds are commonly found on Sable Island, scavenging along the beaches and nesting among the dunes. Their loud calls are a defining sound of the coastline.

Leach’s Storm-Petrel
A nocturnal seabird that nests in burrows, Leach’s storm-petrel is a common visitor to Sable Island. These small birds spend most of their lives at sea, only coming to land to breed.

Northern Gannet
Recognizable by their striking white plumage and long, pointed wings, northern gannets are often seen diving into the ocean from great heights to catch fish.

Peregrine Falcon
Occasionally seen on the island, peregrine falcons are fierce hunters known for their incredible speed. They prey on smaller birds and are often spotted during migration periods.

Black-legged Kittiwake
These small, elegant gulls are common around Sable Island, feeding on fish near the surface of the ocean. They are easily identified by their black wingtips and high-pitched calls.

Common Eider
A large sea duck, common eiders can be found in the waters around Sable Island, especially during the winter. They are known for their dense down feathers, which have been used historically for insulation.

Red-throated Loon
These migratory waterbirds pass through Sable Island during their seasonal movements. They are excellent divers, catching fish underwater with remarkable agility.

Sable Island National Park is a truly unique ecosystem, offering a haven for wildlife that thrives in its isolated and ever-changing landscape. From its wild horses to its abundant birdlife, it remains a fascinating destination for nature lovers.