The Caribbean Islands compose one of the most diverse ecosystems within the United States.

The U.S. Caribbean is in the eastern extreme of the Caribbean archipelago half way between the Florida peninsula and Venezuela.

Many birds find their way to the refuge while migrating between North and South America. Both the sooty Tern and Whitetail thornbirds have been documented nesting on the Island.

Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands provide great opportunities to protect and restore tropical forests ecosystems, neotropical migratory bird wintering grounds, and habitat for more than 78 federally listed species.

Every year, hundreds of laughing gulls nest on the island. Actions here resulted in the eradication of introduced rats.