Birds in a Changing Climate Exhibit

Now Open in the New Industries Building

One Island, Many Homes

Alcatraz Island has been a refuge for birds for millennia. Before it became a notorious prison, the island's cliffs were home to a variety of seabirds, including cormorants, murres, pelicans, and gulls. Today, these species still return each spring to Alcatraz to nest and raise their young.

*Did you know?* The name "Alcatraz" comes from the Spanish word *alcatraces*, meaning "large or strange bird." This likely referred to the brown pelicans that once roosted on the island’s cliffs and can still be seen flying over San Francisco Bay.

Why Alcatraz?

Alcatraz Island is an ideal habitat for waterbirds, which are specially adapted to marine and freshwater environments.

• Isolation: Located in the heart of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz is isolated from the mainland, making it a safe haven with no land predators to threaten the nesting birds. (Learn more about island ecology here.)
• Rocky Habitat: Many birds on Alcatraz prefer to nest on the island's rocky slopes and ledges. These “colonial nesters” gather in large groups for safety. Despite changes to the island's landscape, birds have adapted and now nest on the flatter, developed areas.
• Abundance of Food: The waters surrounding Alcatraz are rich in marine life. The plentiful fish supply sustains the birds and their chicks throughout the breeding season. (Find out more about upwelling and the California Coastal Current here.)

A Unique History

Alcatraz has been many things over the years—from a military fortress to a prison, and even a site of Native American protests. Today, the island’s historic structures provide nesting sites for thousands of birds, particularly evident around the Parade Ground and former incinerator area. (See map for details.)

Bird Behaviors

Explore the fascinating behaviors of Alcatraz's birds:

• Breeding: Observe how birds like the Brandt’s cormorant (BRAC) and Western gull (WEGU) use visual displays to attract mates and establish nesting territories.
• Nesting: Discover the diverse nesting strategies of various species. For example, WEGU and BRAC nest on the ground, while pigeon guillemots (PIGU) use cavities, and egrets and herons build stick nests in trees and shrubs.
• Feeding: Learn how Alcatraz's birds depend on fish like the northern anchovy for nourishment. (View photos of birds feeding here.)
• Resting: Understand the significance of resting for conserving energy, which is crucial for the survival of both adult birds and their chicks.

*Meet the real “jailbirds” of Alcatraz* through our interactive Bird ID flipbook. To find out more about these birds and our resident peregrine falcons, click here.

Research and Conservation

The National Park Service (NPS) is dedicated to protecting Alcatraz's waterbirds. Seasonal closures starting February 1st help safeguard nesting areas from human disturbance and allow visitors to observe birds from a safe distance. (Learn more about our seasonal closures and their benefits here.)

Monitoring bird populations helps the NPS track changes and understand environmental impacts. For instance, the 2009 decline in Brandt’s cormorants was linked to a lack of northern anchovies due to ENSO conditions. Recent data shows a 40-50% increase in nesting Brandt’s cormorants, with ongoing research indicating that climate anomalies like marine heatwaves and ENSO are affecting these birds. (Discover more about climate change's impact on Alcatraz birds here.)

Explore additional impacts: Learn about how microplastics, fishing practices, and energy sources affect the waterbirds of San Francisco Bay. QR codes will guide you to more information.

Community Science and Engagement

Community science allows everyone to contribute to scientific research. You don’t need to be a professional to make a difference! Community science programs help gather valuable data and involve local volunteers in conservation efforts.

Get involved through programs like Feeder Watch, eBird, and iNaturalist. You can also participate in local park programs through the NPS Volunteer Program and Parks Conservancy Program. QR codes link to more resources on volunteering and community science.

 

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