Swan’s Cay is no more than a rock in the ocean, but is known for the bird life that make their home on it. The rare and beautiful red-billed tropic bird is just one of the many species of birds attracted to the region. The tropic bird ( Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon Aethereus ) is a elegant white bird with long tail and orange beak. 20 to 30 pairs may breed at the site.
"Swan's Cay, approximately 70 meters long, is a rounded quarter moon in shape, pierced by two openings through one end, and rises 55 meters at the highest point. On the southern side, sheltered from the northeastern trade winds, there is a small sandy beach below a higher level area. Bushes and other vegetation cover the summit, and there is a small clump of coconut palms at the low end."
On the tropicbirds nest on the leeward side of the cay with several nests on narrow ledges just above the sea, and sheltered by overhang above. The eggs are oval, their shells are pitted, and are dull white, but dotted with brown. They feed on fish and squid, obtained by diving from height into the sea.
You will also see boobies, frigates, and pelicans. Swan’s Cay is also called Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island) in Spanish.The boobies and tropic birds nest on Swans Key, with the boobies actually making their nests everywhere on the ground. Therefore it is forbidden to land on the island.
The standard boat tour around Isla Colón includes a stop at Swan’s Cay.The boat my run you through the narrow slit in the western crag.