Seychelles Magpie Robin: 2025 Census Insights

The Seychelles Magpie Robin (SMR) is one of the world’s rarest birds, but on Fregate Island it has found a stronghold. Every year, our conservation team carries out a full census to keep track of this iconic species and to ensure long-term protection.

Why We Count

The census helps us answer important questions: How many Magpie Robins are on the island? Which birds are ringed or unringed? Where are their territories, and are they expanding or shifting? By recording this information year after year, we can monitor breeding success, keep track of population health, and compare trends with the other four islands in the Seychelles where this species occurs: Aride, Denis, Cousin, and Cousine.

How the Census Works

This year’s census was conducted between 30 April and 11 July, using methods outlined in the Best Practice for Management of a Critically Endangered Species (Bristol et al., 2005).

Armed with maps, GPS devices, and playback calls, our team carefully visited each territory, often in the early morning or late afternoon when the birds are most active. When a bird appeared, we photographed its legs to check for rings, recorded its details, and mapped its movements. To improve accuracy, every territory was visited at least four times, and new areas were surveyed to ensure no bird was missed.

What We Found

• Population size: Over 200 individuals recorded. All SMRs live freely on the island, making it impossible to count every single bird. Factors such as weather, time of day, and bird movement between territories can all influence results
• Ringed vs. unringed: Estimated 50% of the birds are ringed.
• Territories: 54 active territories.
• Age structure: The oldest average in a territory was recorded at 11.5 years, while several territories had very young birds, averaging just 2–2.6 years.