20 Animals & Birds Unique to Fiji 🦜

Last Updated: 2 October, 2024

What Birds and Animals Can You Find in Fiji?

We humans are not the only ones who love the tropical islands of Fiji. Fiji, with its huge array of soft coral underwater and more than 800 unique plant species on its shores, makes a unique habitat for some species of animals and birds found nowhere else on Earth. Most of Fiji’s endemic species are birds, reptiles and marine wildlife, while its only native land mammals are bats. So, learn a little more about the South Pacific island nation with this list of animals and birds that are unique to Fiji.

Want to learn more about Fiji’s animals and birds and where to find them? Head to our A Traveller’s Guide to Wildlife in Fiji.

1. Orange Fruit Dove (Bune)

The orange fruit dove is a vibrant and eye-catching bird that you’ll love spotting in Fiji’s lush forests. This chubby little pigeon is a sight to behold with its striking bright orange plumage and contrasting green head. These plump pigeons measure up to 200 mm (7.9 in) in length. Their vibrant orange bodies are hard to miss, even among the colourful tropical foliage. The striking green head adds a perfect contrast to their overall appearance. While these birds are a feast for the eyes, they’re not exactly a treat for the ears! The orange fruit dove is known for its rather comical call. It’s a sound that might make you chuckle rather than swoon (we don’t want to ruffle any feathers, but let’s just say they won’t be winning any avian singing contests anytime soon). If you’re keen to learn more about Fiji’s fascinating wildlife, why not check out our guide on the best birdwatching spots in Fiji? You might just discover your new favourite feathered friend!

Where to find them: Your best chance of spotting these colourful beauties is in the forested areas of Vanua Levu and Taveuni.

2. Fiji Crested Iguana (Vokai)

The Fiji crested iguana is a fascinating reptile that you’ll be thrilled to spot in Fiji’s pristine wilderness. These scaly beauties are quite the sight to behold, boasting a vibrant green hue adorned with striking white stripes. And when we say they’re big, we mean it! These impressive lizards can grow up to 75 cm (29.5 in) in length. Talk about a prehistoric-looking creature that could make you do a double-take! Now, here’s something that’ll make your jaw drop: these iguanas hold the record for one of the longest incubation periods of any reptile in the world. We’re talking about over eight months of patience waiting before those little ones emerge! It’s like they’re taking their sweet time to perfect their scales and stripes before making their grand debut.

Unfortunately, it’s not all sunny days for our crested friends. These remarkable creatures are critically endangered, which means spotting one is a rare and precious experience. Their home range is limited to just a handful of small, uninhabited islands around Fiji. Talk about exclusive real estate!

Where to find them: Your best chance of glimpsing these elusive reptiles is on the small, uninhabited islands around Fiji, although they are also bred in captivity at Kula WILD Adventure Park and found at the iguana sanctuary at Malolo Island Resort and Likuliku Lagoon Resort.

3. Fijian Monkey-Faced Flying Fox (Mirimiri)

Get ready to meet one of Fiji’s most fascinating and elusive creatures – the Fijian monkey-faced flying fox! This pint-sized wonder is not your average fruit bat. With a body length of about 20 cm (7.8 in), these little brown beauties might be small, but they pack a big punch when it comes to uniqueness. This flying fox is the only endemic native mammal in all of Fiji! Talk about exclusive company. But with great uniqueness comes great rarity. These critically endangered critters are so hard to spot that it once took researchers a whopping 40 days to capture just one for a breeding program. (Don’t worry, they released it back into the wild afterwards!)

Where to find them: If you’re up for a real wildlife adventure, head to the forests near Des Voeux Peak on Taveuni. But remember, spotting one of these elusive mammals is like finding a needle in a haystack – a very rare and precious experience!

4. Pink-Billed Parrotfinch

Get ready to meet the feathered fashionista of Fiji’s forests! The pink-billed parrotfinch is like that trendy teen who just can’t decide on an outfit. With its eye-catching pink beak, mysterious black face, and piercing red eyes, this little bird is definitely making a statement. And let’s not forget its vibrant green body with those sassy red highlights. At just 11 cm (4.3 in) long, these little fashionistas might be small, but they certainly know how to stand out in a crowd. Here’s a twist – in the world of pink-billed parrotfinches, it’s all about gender equality. The males and females look exactly alike! Talk about breaking bird stereotypes.

Where to find them: These stylish birds love to hang out in the treetops and forests of east Viti Levu. Keep your eyes peeled for a flash of green and pink! You may be lucky enough to spot these elusive birds on dedicated birdwatching tours with Nautilus Tours, departing Nadi/Denarau.

5. Red-Throated Lorikeet

Ladies and gentlemen, meet the red-throated lorikeet. It is like that colourful character who always knows how to make an entrance. With its striking red throat (talk about a bold fashion statement!), vibrant green body, and chic yellow highlights, this little bird is definitely turning heads in the forest. At 18 cm (7.1 in) long, these stylish birds might be small, but they sure know how to stand out in a crowd. And here’s a fun twist – baby lorikeets rock purple legs! It’s like they’re born with their own pair of funky booties. Now, we hate to be the bearer of bad news, but here’s a not-so-fun fact: these fabulous birds are critically endangered. Despite five valiant attempts since 1993, nobody has managed to spot one of these elusive birds. Let’s hope these magnificent birds are just playing an epic game of hide-and-seek and will make a grand comeback soon.

Where to spot them: These trendy birds love to hang out in the high canopies of Fiji’s largest islands: Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, and Ovalau. Keep your eyes peeled for a flash of red and green in the treetops!

6. Gau Iguana

Get ready to meet one of Fiji’s most elusive reptiles – the Gau iguana! These scaly beauties are a sight to behold, with their vibrant green colouring and distinctive white stripes (on the males, that is). The ladies prefer to keep it simple with a full bright green look. These little fellows aren’t exactly giants in the reptile world, measuring a modest 15 cm (5.9 in) without their impressive tails, which can stretch up to an additional 25 cm (9.8 in). That’s quite a tail-to-body ratio! Now, here’s where things get really interesting. These iguanas are true homebodies, found nowhere else in the world except the lush forests of Gau Island. It’s no wonder they’re named after their island home – they’re not exactly world travellers.

Unfortunately, their limited habitat makes them vulnerable, so spotting one of these unique creatures is a rare and precious experience. If you’re lucky enough to visit Gau Island, keep your eyes peeled for these green gems among the foliage. Who knows? You might just have a chance encounter with one of Fiji’s most fascinating endemic species!

Where to find them: Your best bet is to explore the forests of Gau Island. But remember, these are shy creatures, so patience and a keen eye are key!

7. Fiji Goshawk

Fiji’s most impressive bird of prey, the Fiji goshawk, is a sleek hunter and can be found almost everywhere in Fiji, from lush forests to the trees in your local park. With their striking grey-to-dark-grey plumage and impressive 73 cm (28.7 in) wingspan, these beauties are hard to miss. These feathered predators have quite the appetite for small birds and, on rare occasions, even chickens! Talk about a hearty meal. But that’s not all – they’re also known for their noisy evening gatherings. It’s like they’re having their own little happy hour up in the trees!

Where to find them: Your best bet is Taveuni, but keep your eyes peeled wherever you go in Fiji – these adaptable birds might surprise you!

8. Fiji Ground Frog

Ever fancied spotting a frog that’s a master of camouflage? Well, the Fiji ground frog might just be your new favourite amphibian! These nocturnal charmers, about 11 cm (4.3 in) long, sport a brown and yellow leafy pattern that makes them practically invisible on the forest floor. Talk about nature’s own camouflage experts! These crafty creatures have quite the unique hunting strategy. Instead of hopping around chasing their prey, they play the ultimate game of patience. They simply stand still and wait for unsuspecting insects to wander by. It’s like they’re playing a real-life game of “Statue”!

Where to find them: Keep your eyes peeled in the forests and gardens of Taveuni, Vanua Levu, Gau and Ovalau islands. And if you’re up for a tree-top adventure, look out for their arboreal cousin, the Fiji tree frog! Note, don’t get them confused with the cane toads, which are found just about everywhere on Viti Levu!

9. Orange-Spotted Scaleless Goby

The tiny brown-patterned orange-spotted scaleless goby, measuring a mere 4 cm (1.6 in) long, is the ultimate rock hugger. They’ve perfected the art of clinging to rocks while facing the current – talk about swimming against the tide! These little fellows are part of an exclusive club – they’re one of only a handful of freshwater fish species found in the entire country! So, if you’re up for a unique wildlife-spotting adventure, why not try your luck at finding these pint-sized stream dwellers? Just remember, patience is key when it comes to spotting these miniature marvels!

Where to find them: Keep your eyes peeled in the shallow freshwater streams of Fiji.

10. The Giant Fijian Longhorn Beetle

Hold onto your hats, nature lovers! The giant Fijian longhorn beetle is about to blow your mind. This colossal creepy-crawler, measuring up to 15 cm (6 in) in length, is the second-largest beetle in the world! With its super-long antennae and four wings tucked neatly under a sturdy shell, this insect is quite the sight to behold.

Where to find them: You’ll find these gentle giants munching on plants and hanging out in trees across southeast Viti Levu, southeast Vanua Levu, and Taveuni. So, next time you’re exploring Fiji’s lush forests, keep your eyes peeled for these remarkable six-legged wonders!

11. Bicoloured Foxface

Ever dreamt of spotting a fish that looks like it’s wearing a half-and-half costume? Well, the bicoloured foxface might just be your new favourite aquatic friend! These coral reef charmers, about 24 cm (9.4 in) long, sport a stunning two-tone look that’s sure to catch your eye. Picture this: a dark body with vibrant yellow fins, and as if that wasn’t enough, a third of their back body is decked out in bright yellow too. But don’t let their good looks fool you – these little swimmers pack a punch! They’ve got a secret weapon in the form of a venomous dorsal spine.

Where to find them: Keep your eyes peeled in the coral reefs around Fiji. And if you’re up for an underwater adventure, why not join a scuba diving tour? You might just spot one of these fashionable fish strutting their stuff among the corals!

12. Barking Imperial Pigeon (Soqe)

The barking imperial pigeon is a remarkable bird found in the lush, forested areas of Viti Levu, Kadavu, and Taveuni. This impressive creature, with its dark body and distinctive light grey face, can grow up to 40 cm (15.7 in) in length. Don’t let its pigeon-like appearance fool you; these birds are exceptional flyers, capable of traversing various habitats with ease. Their strong wings allow them to move swiftly between trees, where they feast on a variety of fruits. This ability to adapt and thrive in different environments makes the barking imperial pigeon a fascinating subject for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Where to find them: For the best chance to spot these majestic birds, head to Kadavu. This island’s pristine forests provide an ideal habitat for the barking imperial pigeon, offering ample opportunities for birdwatching and nature exploration. We’ve seen them while relaxing at Matava Eco Adventure Resort.

13. Natewa Silktail

The Natewa silktail is a rare and captivating bird found exclusively on the Natewa Peninsula of Vanua Levu. This small avian treasure boasts striking black and white plumage with a distinctive silky sheen, earning it its unique name. The silktail’s habitat is limited to dense forests, making it highly susceptible to habitat loss and a top priority for conservationists. Birdwatching enthusiasts consider it one of Fiji’s most sought-after species, with ongoing efforts to protect its fragile ecosystem. However, the bird faces continued threats from deforestation and development. The Natewa Peninsula is also home to other remarkable species, including the recently discovered Natewa swallowtail butterfly.

Where to find them: Natewa Peninsula, Vanua Levu. The bird can be spotted in the dense forests of this remote area. Birdwatching tours are available through Daku Fiji Resort and Ocean Ventures Fiji.

14. Fiji Petrel

The elusive Fiji petrel is a fascinating seabird that calls the remote Gau Island home. This petite dark brown bird, measuring around 30 cm (11.8 in), has quite the comeback story. For an astonishing 130 years, the Fiji petrel was thought to be extinct, leaving bird enthusiasts and conservationists in despair. However, in a thrilling turn of events, this resilient creature has recently been spotted at sea, rekindling hope for its survival. The rediscovery of the Fiji petrel serves as a reminder of the importance of habitat conservation and the potential for nature to surprise us.

Where to find them: While sightings are rare, your best chance of spotting a Fiji petrel from Gau Island.

15. Rotuma Forest Gecko

The Rotuma forest gecko is a fascinating little reptile that calls the remote Rotuma Island home. This small, elusive creature measures about 5 cm (2 in) in length, with an additional 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 in) tail, and sports a striking dark-to-light-grey colouration. Like many of its gecko cousins, this species has a clever trick up its sleeve – the ability to shed its tail when threatened and regrow it later. This remarkable feat of regeneration allows the gecko to escape predators, leaving them with nothing but a wriggling tail while it scurries to safety. It’s nature’s version of a magician’s misdirection!

Where to find them: These pint-sized reptiles are endemic to Rotuma Island, a volcanic island located about 650 km (404 mi) north of Fiji’s main island group. While spotting one might require some patience and a keen eye, the thrill of encountering this unique species in its natural habitat is well worth the effort.

16. Collared Lory (Kula)

The collared lory, locally known as “kula“, is a vibrant parrot species endemic to Fiji. This highly social bird is easily recognisable by its striking plumage—a bright red head and underparts contrasting with green and blue back and wings. Often seen in pairs or flocks, these colourful creatures frequent flowering trees, feasting on nectar, pollen, and fruit. While primarily found in the southern Lau Islands, the collared lory can be spotted in other parts of Fiji too. Thanks to its wide distribution and adaptability to various forest habitats, this species is not currently endangered.

Where to find them: The collared lory can be observed across Fiji, particularly in the southern Lau islands. Keep an eye out for these vibrant birds in flowering trees and forested areas throughout the archipelago. They are also in the aviaries at Kula WILD Adventure Park.

17. Pacific Boa

The Pacific boa is one of Fiji’s few snake species, a non-venomous reptile with a robust body and mottled brown or grey colouration that aids in camouflage. This arboreal snake spends most of its time in trees but can also be found in rocky areas and near human settlements. As a predator of small animals like rats, birds, and lizards, the Pacific boa plays a crucial role in controlling pest populations. Although historically hunted for food by indigenous Fijians, it is now illegal to harm this ecologically important species due to its declining numbers.

Where to find them: The Pacific boa can be observed at the Kula WILD Adventure Park, where visitors can learn more about this fascinating creature and its habitat.

18. Fijian Crested Iguana (Vokai)

The Fijian crested iguana is a critically endangered species that stands out as one of Fiji’s iconic reptiles. With its striking green body adorned with white or pale blue bands and a distinctive crested ridge along its back, this remarkable creature is a sight to behold. Unlike its banded cousin, the Fijian crested iguana primarily inhabits smaller dry islands, such as the Mamanuca and Yasawa groups. These iguanas thrive in dry forests, which have unfortunately been greatly diminished over time. Conservation efforts have led to the creation of a sanctuary on Yadua Taba Island, where the iguanas are protected from predators and human activity. However, the ongoing destruction of their natural habitat remains a significant concern for the survival of this unique species.

19. Red Shining Parrot

The red shining parrot, also known as the crimson shining parrot , is a stunning bird native to Fiji. With its dark red head and underside, bright green upper body, and blue neck and tail, this vibrant creature is truly a sight to behold. Endemic to specific Fijian islands, including Kadavu, Ono, Vanua Levu, and Taveuni, these colourful parrots inhabit a variety of environments, from lush forests to woodlands. Often seen foraging for fruits and seeds, they are not only a symbol of Fiji’s unique wildlife but also a magnet for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts seeking to experience the beauty of the islands’ natural landscapes.

Where to find them: For the best chances of spotting these eye-catching birds, head to Kadavu Island, known for its rich biodiversity, or the more secluded Ono Island. We’ve also seen them at Bobby’s Farm on Taveuni – see the 10 Best Places for Bird Watching in Fiji.

20. Many-Coloured Fruit Dove

The many-coloured fruit dove is a spectacular bird found in Fiji, living up to its name with vibrant plumage. The male boasts a red crown and shawl, white face, yellow neck and back, grey chevrons on the back, and a flecked red breast. Females share some features but are generally greener. These small doves, measuring about 23 cm (9.1 in) in length and weighing around 90 g (3.2 oz), inhabit various forest environments in Fiji, including moist rainforests, mangroves, and wooded stream margins. Arboreal in nature, they spend most of their time in the forest canopy, often found in pairs or larger groups at fruiting trees.

Where to find them: These colourful doves can be spotted in Taveuni, specifically at Bobby’s Farm. For more information on bird-watching opportunities in Fiji, check out the 10 Best Places for Bird Watching in Fiji.

More About Animals and Birds Unique to Fiji

That’s it for our guide to animals and birds unique to Fiji; for more information about Fiji’s wildlife, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in A Traveller’s Guide to Wildlife in Fiji.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin (Ruveni) C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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