Bird Island used to be known as "Île aux Vaches"[2] due to the numerous dugongs (sea cows) that lived in nearby waters.

[3] In 1882, a passing British ship found two Africans living on the island, salting fish and birds in what must have been the loneliest of existences.

Conservation measures have taken place such protection of birdlife and hawksbill turtle nesting sites, the eradication of feral rats and rabbits and the translocation of a population of Seychelles sunbird.

The birds arrive from late March, laying eggs in May and remaining until October before leaving the island.

Another phenomenon especially in October to December arises from the geographical location of Bird Island on the northern edge of the Seychelles Bank.