Turtledove Cay, United States Virgin Islands facts for kids
 Turtledove Cay
Location in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Turtledove Cay
Location in Caribbean
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Caribbean Sea |
| Coordinates | 18°18′31″N 65°00′01″W / 18.3085°N 65.0004°W |
| Administration | |
| Federal Department | U.S. Department of the Interior |
| Federal Agency | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Capital city | Washington, D.C. |
| Largest settlement | New York City |
| President | Donald John Trump |
Turtledove Cay is a small, rocky island in the United States Virgin Islands. It is also known by names like Turtledove Key or Dove Key. This islet is only about 3.78 acres in size. That's like a few football fields! It sits just 100 yards north of Saba Island.
Turtledove Cay is not very high, reaching about 50 feet above the sea. It is covered with tall grass. Sometimes, when the water is very low, you can even see a natural bridge of reef connecting it to Saba Island. This special cay, along with nearby Flat Cay, Little Flat Cay, and Saba Island, is a protected area. The government of the U.S. Virgin Islands has made them all wildlife reserves. This means they are important places for animals to live safely.
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Turtledove Cay: A Special Island
Turtledove Cay might be small, but it is a very important place for nature. It is part of the beautiful Caribbean Sea. The United States Virgin Islands are a group of islands that are part of the United States. This cay is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is a government agency that helps protect wildlife and their homes.
Why is Turtledove Cay Important?
Turtledove Cay is a wildlife reserve. This means it is a special place where animals and plants are protected. People work hard to make sure the animals living there are safe and their homes are not disturbed. This helps keep the natural balance of the island.
Protecting Nature
Being a wildlife reserve helps many different kinds of animals. It means that certain activities, like building or hunting, are not allowed. This allows the animals to live freely and safely in their natural environment. It is like a giant outdoor home for them.
Home to Amazing Birds
Turtledove Cay is famous for its many birds. It is home to large numbers of native avifauna. "Avifauna" is a fancy word for all the birds that live in a certain area.
Noddy Birds and Other Seabirds
One of the most common birds you will find on Turtledove Cay are noddies. These are a type of seabird, which means they spend most of their lives near the ocean. Noddies often build their nests in large groups, called colonies. Turtledove Cay provides a safe place for these birds to lay their eggs and raise their young. Many other types of seabirds also come to the cay to rest and nest. This makes the island a busy and noisy place, full of bird calls!
