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Coordinates: 15°40′18″N 63°36′59″W / 15.67167°N 63.61639°W / 15.67167; -63.61639
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{{Infobox islands
{{Infobox islands
| disputed = no
| name = Isla de Aves
| name = Isla de Aves
| image_name = Aves Island ISS013.jpg
| image_name = Aves Island ISS013.jpg
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| nickname =
| nickname =
| location = [[Caribbean Sea]]
| location = [[Caribbean Sea]]
| pushpin_map = Caribbean
| pushpin_map = Caribbean
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in the Caribbean
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in the Caribbean
| coordinates = {{Coord|15|40|18|N|63|36|59|W|type:isle_region:UM|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{Coord|15|40|18|N|63|36|59|W|type:isle_region:UM|display=inline,title}}
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| highest_mount =
| highest_mount =
| elevation_m = 4
| elevation_m = 4
| country = {{flag|Venezuela}}
| country = {{VEN}}
| country_admin_divisions_title =
| country_admin_divisions_title =
| country_admin_divisions = [[File:Bandera dep fede.png|15px]] [[Federal Dependencies of Venezuela]]
| country_admin_divisions = [[File:Bandera dep fede.png|15px]] [[Federal Dependencies of Venezuela]]
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| country_largest_city =
| country_largest_city =
| country_largest_city_population =
| country_largest_city_population =
| country1 =
| population =
| population =
| population_as_of =
| population_as_of =
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}}
}}


'''Isla de Aves''' ([[Spanish language|Spanish]] for "Island of Birds" or "Birds Island"), or '''Aves Island''', is a [[Federal Dependencies of Venezuela|Federal Dependency]] of [[Venezuela]]. It has been the subject of numerous [[territorial dispute]]s (now resolved) between the neighboring independent islands, such as [[Dominica]], and European mother countries of surrounding dependent islands, such as the [[Netherlands]].
'''Isla de Aves''' ({{IPA|es|ˈisla ðe ˈaβes|}}; [[Spanish language|Spanish]] for "Island of Birds" or "Birds Island"), or '''Aves Island''', is a [[Federal Dependencies of Venezuela|Federal Dependency]] of [[Venezuela]]. It has been the subject of numerous [[territorial dispute]]s (now resolved) with the [[United States]] (through the [[Guano Islands Act]] of 1856), neighboring independent islands, such as [[Dominica]], and European states controlling the surrounding dependent islands, such as the [[Netherlands]] and the [[United Kingdom]].


It is a part of the [[Aves Ridge]] and lies to the west of the [[Windward Islands]] chain at {{Coord|15|40|18|N|63|36|59|W|}}. It is {{convert|375|m|ft}} in length and never more than {{convert|50|m|ft}} in width, and rises {{convert|4|m|ft}} above the sea on a calm day. Under a particular interpretation of the [[United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea]], it could be classified as a [[Islet|rock]], which would only give Venezuela a twelve [[nautical mile]] economic zone. However, Venezuela claims it is an [[island]], which grants it a {{convert|200|mi|km|adj=on}} [[exclusive economic zone]].<ref>República de Venezuela y República Dominicana. 1981: Tratado de relimitación de áreas marinas y submarinas entre la República de Venezuela y República Dominicana. Ministerio de la Defensa. Caracas. 8p.</ref> Mostly sand, a small portion has some scrubby vegetation. It is sometimes completely submerged during hurricanes. It is {{convert|185|km|mi}} southwest of the closest land, [[Montserrat]], {{convert|225|km|mi}} west of [[Dominica]] and {{convert|547|km|mi}} north of the Venezuelan mainland.<ref>Vila, Marco Aurelio. 1967: Aspectos geográficos de las Dependencias Federales. Corporación Venezolana de Fomento. Caracas. 115p.</ref><ref>Cervigon, Fernando. 1995: Las Dependencias Federales. Academia Nacional de la Historia. Caracas. 193p.</ref><ref>Hernández Caballero, Serafín (Editor). 1998: Gran Enciclopedia de Venezuela. Editorial Globe, C.A. Caracas. 10 volúmenes. {{ISBN|980-6427-00-9}} {{ISBN|980-6427-10-6}}</ref>
It is a part of the [[Aves Ridge]] and lies to the west of the [[Windward Islands]] chain at {{Coord|15|40|18|N|63|36|59|W|}}. It is {{convert|375|m|ft}} in length and never more than {{convert|50|m|ft}} in width, and rises {{convert|4|m|ft}} above the sea on a calm day. Depending on one's interpretation of the [[United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea]], it could be legally classified as a "[[Islet#In international law|rock]]", which would only give Venezuela a twelve [[nautical mile]] economic zone. However, Venezuela claims it is a normal [[island]], which grants it a {{convert|200|nmi|km|adj=on}} [[exclusive economic zone]].<ref>República de Venezuela y República Dominicana. 1981: Tratado de relimitación de áreas marinas y submarinas entre la República de Venezuela y República Dominicana. Ministerio de la Defensa. Caracas. 8p.</ref> Mostly sand, a small portion has some scrubby vegetation. It is sometimes completely submerged during hurricanes. It is {{convert|185|km|mi}} southwest of the closest land, [[Montserrat]], {{convert|225|km|mi}} west of [[Dominica]] and {{convert|547|km|mi}} north of the Venezuelan mainland.<ref>Vila, Marco Aurelio. 1967: Aspectos geográficos de las Dependencias Federales. Corporación Venezolana de Fomento. Caracas. 115p.</ref><ref>Cervigon, Fernando. 1995: Las Dependencias Federales. Academia Nacional de la Historia. Caracas. 193p.</ref><ref>Hernández Caballero, Serafín (Editor). 1998: Gran Enciclopedia de Venezuela. Editorial Globe, C.A. Caracas. 10 volúmenes. {{ISBN|980-6427-00-9}} {{ISBN|980-6427-10-6}}</ref>


==Impact of hurricanes ==
==Impact of hurricanes ==
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[[File:Joaquin Crespo by Arturo Michelena.jpg|thumb|250px|Isla de Aves was included in Venezuela's territorial reorganization done by President [[Joaquín Crespo]] in 1895.]]
[[File:Joaquin Crespo by Arturo Michelena.jpg|thumb|250px|Isla de Aves was included in Venezuela's territorial reorganization done by President [[Joaquín Crespo]] in 1895.]]


The island was most likely discovered by [[Avaro Sanzze]] in 1584, though it was not settled. It was subsequently claimed for [[Kingdom of Great Britain|Great Britain]], [[Spain]], [[Portugal]] and the [[Netherlands]]. Throughout the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, the inhabitants of the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] islands [[Saint Eustatius]] and [[Saba]] regularly visited Aves to collect turtle and bird eggs.<ref>González Oropeza, Hermann. y Donis Ríos, Manuel. 1989: Historia de las fronteras de Venezuela. Cuadernos Lagoven. Lagoven, S.A. Caracas. 180p. {{ISBN|980-259-257-9}}</ref>
The island was most likely discovered by [[Avaro Sanzze]] in 1584, though it was not settled. It was subsequently claimed for [[Kingdom of Great Britain|Great Britain]], [[Spain]], [[Portugal]] and the [[Netherlands]]. Throughout the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, the inhabitants of the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] islands [[Saint Eustatius]] and [[Saba (island)|Saba]] regularly visited Aves to collect turtle and bird eggs.<ref>González Oropeza, Hermann. y Donis Ríos, Manuel. 1989: Historia de las fronteras de Venezuela. Cuadernos Lagoven. Lagoven, S.A. Caracas. 180p. {{ISBN|980-259-257-9}}</ref>


In 1854, a U.S. captain discovered the abundant quantities of [[guano]] on Aves and systematic collection started not long after. Both the Dutch and Venezuelan authorities found out and protested. The Dutch sent a warship to Aves. Its captain found Americans loading guano. He informed them that the Dutch considered Aves to belong to the Netherlands.
In 1854, a U.S. captain discovered the abundant quantities of [[guano]] on Aves and systematic collection started not long after. Both the Dutch and Venezuelan authorities found out and protested. The Dutch sent a warship to Aves. Its captain found Americans loading guano. He informed them that the Dutch considered Aves to belong to the Netherlands.
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The island was once again involved in controversy in 1857 when three [[Boston]] men, "Mesers Shelton, Samson and Tappan", were in a dispute with the Venezuelan government after they "annexed" the island "which they had discovered in an abandoned condition"; this was done in accordance with the recently passed [[Guano Islands Act|United States Guano Islands Act]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Our Claim Against Venezuela: Page 5|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=26 June 1857}}</ref>
The island was once again involved in controversy in 1857 when three [[Boston]] men, "Mesers Shelton, Samson and Tappan", were in a dispute with the Venezuelan government after they "annexed" the island "which they had discovered in an abandoned condition"; this was done in accordance with the recently passed [[Guano Islands Act|United States Guano Islands Act]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Our Claim Against Venezuela: Page 5|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=26 June 1857}}</ref>


In the meantime, in 1859, the Administrator of St. Eustatius granted a concession to collect guano on Aves to ‘Edward Green, Kean & Co.’ in Baltimore at f. 2.50 per ton. He decided that “''even though Aves was never permanently settled by the Dutch, the inhabitants of Statia and Saba had made use of the island longer than anyone can remember'',” which “''constituted proof of possession.''” He gave a provisionary concession and asked the Governor in Curaçao to confirm. The Governor, meanwhile, had received a request to mine guano on Aves from a group of businessmen on Dutch St. Maarten, “''who had assured themselves that Aves was recognized as a possession of the Dutch government''.”
In the meantime, in 1859, the Administrator of St. Eustatius granted a concession to collect guano on Aves to ‘Edward Green, Kean & Co.’ of [[Baltimore]] at f. 2.50 per ton. He decided that “''even though Aves was never permanently settled by the Dutch, the inhabitants of Statia and Saba had made use of the island longer than anyone can remember'',” which “''constituted proof of possession.''” He gave a provisionary concession and asked the Governor in Curaçao to confirm. The Governor, meanwhile, had received a request to mine guano on Aves from a group of businessmen on Dutch St. Maarten, “''who had assured themselves that Aves was recognized as a possession of the Dutch government''.”


The Dutch authorities on [[Curaçao]], under whom St. Eustatius and Saba fell, sat down with the Venezuelans and together decided to find a mutually acceptable sovereign to decide about the ownership of Aves Island. The Queen of [[Spain]] was accepted by both parties, and in 1865 [[Isabella II]] ruled on the issue, deciding in favor of the Venezuelans.
The Dutch authorities on [[Curaçao]], under whom St. Eustatius and Saba fell, sat down with the Venezuelans and together decided to find a mutually acceptable sovereign to decide about the ownership of Aves Island. The Queen of [[Spain]] was accepted by both parties, and in 1865 [[Isabella II]] ruled on the issue, deciding in favor of the Venezuelans.
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In 1950, a [[Venezuelan Navy]] fleet consisting of two patrol boats and one transport boat were sent to take control of the island with a group of soldiers.
In 1950, a [[Venezuelan Navy]] fleet consisting of two patrol boats and one transport boat were sent to take control of the island with a group of soldiers.


On June 2, 1978, the Venezuelan Navy were sent to set up a scientific naval base named ''[[Simón Bolívar]]'' on the lee (west) side near the southern tip of the island, constructed as a platform built on stilts partially in the water, which was permanently inhabited by a group of scientists and military personnel.
On June 2, 1978, ships of the Venezuelan Navy were sent to set up a scientific naval base named ''[[Simón Bolívar]]'' on the lee (west) side near the southern tip of the island, constructed as a platform built on stilts partially in the water, which was permanently inhabited by a group of scientists and military personnel.
[[File:Isla de Aves Venezuela 003.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Scientific naval base ''[[Simón Bolívar]]'' on Isla de Aves{{snd}} Venezuela]]
[[File:Isla de Aves Venezuela 003.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Scientific naval base ''[[Simón Bolívar]]'' on Isla de Aves{{snd}} Venezuela]]


===United States—Venezuela Maritime Boundary Treaty===
===United States–Venezuela Maritime Boundary Treaty===
On March 28, 1978, Venezuela, using Aves Island as its reference, agreed to its [[maritime boundary|maritime borders]] with the U.S. between Aves Island and Puerto Rico in the [[United States–Venezuela Maritime Boundary Treaty]]; this treaty came into force on 24 November 1980 after it was ratified by both parties.
On March 28, 1978, Venezuela, using Aves Island as its reference, agreed to its [[maritime boundary|maritime borders]] with the U.S. between Aves Island and Puerto Rico in the [[United States–Venezuela Maritime Boundary Treaty]]; this treaty came into force on 24 November 1980 after it was ratified by both parties.


The island is the closest Venezuelan territory to the United States, approximately 163 miles from the U.S. island of [[St. Croix]].
The island is the closest Venezuelan territory to the United States, approximately {{convert|163|mi|km}} from the U.S. island of [[St. Croix]].


===Agreement with France===
===Agreement with France===
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===2006 Dominica and Venezuela informal agreement===
===2006 Dominica and Venezuela informal agreement===
During a visit to Venezuela, Dominica Prime Minister [[Roosevelt Skerrit]], in June 2006, stated that ''Aves Island belongs to Venezuela'', ending the territorial claim.<ref>[http://www.minci.gob.ve/dossier/39/?desc=26531 Viceministerio de Gestión Comunicacional]</ref>
During a visit to Venezuela, Dominica’s Prime Minister [[Roosevelt Skerrit]], in June 2006, stated that ''Aves Island belongs to Venezuela'', unofficially ending the territorial claim.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.minci.gob.ve/dossier/39/?desc=26531 |title=Viceministerio de Gestión Comunicacional |access-date=2009-09-13 |archive-date=2011-07-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716195851/http://www.minci.gob.ve/dossier/39/?desc=26531 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Historical maps==
{{More citations needed|date=April 2009}}
<gallery>
File:Isla de Aves en 1647.svg| '''1647'''
File:Isla de Aves 1887.svg| '''1887'''
File:Isla de Aves en 1970.svg| '''1970'''
File:Isla de Aves en 1980.svg| Before [[Hurricane Allen]] ('''1980''')
File:Isla de Aves en 1980 después del Huracán Allen.svg| After [[Hurricane Allen]] ('''1980''')
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
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* [[Ankoko Island]] (another disputed territory involving Venezuela)
* [[Ankoko Island]] (another disputed territory involving Venezuela)
* [[Exclusive economic zone]]
* [[Exclusive economic zone]]
* [[Federal Dependencies of Venezuela]]
* [[Federal Dependencies of Venezuela]]
* [[List of marine molluscs of Venezuela]]
* [[List of marine molluscs of Venezuela]]
* [[List of sponges of Venezuela]]
* [[List of sponges of Venezuela]]
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{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:IUCN Category IV]]
[[Category:Federal Dependencies of Venezuela]]
[[Category:Federal Dependencies of Venezuela]]
[[Category:Islands of the West Caribbean]]
[[Category:Islands of the West Caribbean]]
[[Category:Disputed islands|Aves]]
[[Category:Disputed islands of South America|Aves]]
[[Category:Territorial disputes of Venezuela]]
[[Category:Territorial disputes of Venezuela]]
[[Category:Territorial disputes of Dominica|Bird Island]]
[[Category:Territorial disputes of Dominica|Bird Island]]

Latest revision as of 01:28, 13 August 2024

Not to be confused with Las Aves Archipelago.
Isla de Aves
Isla de Aves from space, 2001
Isla de Aves is located in Caribbean
Isla de Aves
Isla de Aves
Location in the Caribbean
Geography
LocationCaribbean Sea
Coordinates15°40′18″N 63°36′59″W / 15.67167°N 63.61639°W / 15.67167; -63.61639
Length376 m (1234 ft)
Width50 m (160 ft)
Highest elevation4 m (13 ft)
Administration
Federal Dependencies of Venezuela

Isla de Aves ([ˈisla ðe ˈaβes]; Spanish for "Island of Birds" or "Birds Island"), or Aves Island, is a Federal Dependency of Venezuela. It has been the subject of numerous territorial disputes (now resolved) with the United States (through the Guano Islands Act of 1856), neighboring independent islands, such as Dominica, and European states controlling the surrounding dependent islands, such as the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

It is a part of the Aves Ridge and lies to the west of the Windward Islands chain at 15°40′18″N 63°36′59″W / 15.67167°N 63.61639°W / 15.67167; -63.61639. It is 375 metres (1,230 ft) in length and never more than 50 metres (160 ft) in width, and rises 4 metres (13 ft) above the sea on a calm day. Depending on one's interpretation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, it could be legally classified as a "rock", which would only give Venezuela a twelve nautical mile economic zone. However, Venezuela claims it is a normal island, which grants it a 200-nautical-mile (370 km) exclusive economic zone.[1] Mostly sand, a small portion has some scrubby vegetation. It is sometimes completely submerged during hurricanes. It is 185 kilometres (115 mi) southwest of the closest land, Montserrat, 225 kilometres (140 mi) west of Dominica and 547 kilometres (340 mi) north of the Venezuelan mainland.[2][3][4]

Impact of hurricanes

[edit]

For some time the island has been in danger of eroding altogether, and Venezuelan authorities are considering ways to protect it, along with the territorial claims to the Caribbean Sea which radiate from Isla de Aves. The impact of Hurricane Allen in the 1980 Atlantic hurricane season divided it into two parts, but accretions of coral have subsequently reunited it. On August 17, 2007, the force of Hurricane Dean severely eroded the island.

Environment

[edit]

The island is a resting and breeding place for seabirds and the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). Its low profile makes it a hazard to navigation, and many ships have been wrecked here.

Amateur radio "entity"

[edit]

Aves Island is a particularly rare amateur radio "entity", under the ITU prefix YV0. A 2006 expedition by operators to the island required 14 years of planning.[citation needed] Though one member suffered a fatal heart attack, over 42,000 contacts were made during their week-long stay.[5]

History

[edit]
Isla de Aves was included in Venezuela's territorial reorganization done by President Joaquín Crespo in 1895.

The island was most likely discovered by Avaro Sanzze in 1584, though it was not settled. It was subsequently claimed for Great Britain, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands. Throughout the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, the inhabitants of the Dutch islands Saint Eustatius and Saba regularly visited Aves to collect turtle and bird eggs.[6]

In 1854, a U.S. captain discovered the abundant quantities of guano on Aves and systematic collection started not long after. Both the Dutch and Venezuelan authorities found out and protested. The Dutch sent a warship to Aves. Its captain found Americans loading guano. He informed them that the Dutch considered Aves to belong to the Netherlands.

The island was once again involved in controversy in 1857 when three Boston men, "Mesers Shelton, Samson and Tappan", were in a dispute with the Venezuelan government after they "annexed" the island "which they had discovered in an abandoned condition"; this was done in accordance with the recently passed United States Guano Islands Act.[7]

In the meantime, in 1859, the Administrator of St. Eustatius granted a concession to collect guano on Aves to ‘Edward Green, Kean & Co.’ of Baltimore at f. 2.50 per ton. He decided that “even though Aves was never permanently settled by the Dutch, the inhabitants of Statia and Saba had made use of the island longer than anyone can remember,” which “constituted proof of possession.” He gave a provisionary concession and asked the Governor in Curaçao to confirm. The Governor, meanwhile, had received a request to mine guano on Aves from a group of businessmen on Dutch St. Maarten, “who had assured themselves that Aves was recognized as a possession of the Dutch government.”

The Dutch authorities on Curaçao, under whom St. Eustatius and Saba fell, sat down with the Venezuelans and together decided to find a mutually acceptable sovereign to decide about the ownership of Aves Island. The Queen of Spain was accepted by both parties, and in 1865 Isabella II ruled on the issue, deciding in favor of the Venezuelans.

However, Isabella's judgment acknowledged the time honored rights of the inhabitants of the Dutch islands St. Eustatius, Saba and St. Maarten to fish in the waters around Aves. As this was the main issue the Dutch had, they accepted the ruling. Later, some Dutch historians argued that Isabella's advisors could have mixed up Aves with Las Aves Archipelago lying between Bonaire and Los Roques, just off the coast of Venezuela.

From 1878 to 1912, the island was again occupied by American guano miners until supplies were exhausted.

Isla de Aves was included in Venezuela's territorial reorganization done by President Joaquín Crespo in 1895. By 1905, Isla de Aves was a municipality called "Municipio Oriental" part of Colón Federal Territory.

In 1950, a Venezuelan Navy fleet consisting of two patrol boats and one transport boat were sent to take control of the island with a group of soldiers.

On June 2, 1978, ships of the Venezuelan Navy were sent to set up a scientific naval base named Simón Bolívar on the lee (west) side near the southern tip of the island, constructed as a platform built on stilts partially in the water, which was permanently inhabited by a group of scientists and military personnel.

Scientific naval base Simón Bolívar on Isla de Aves – Venezuela

United States–Venezuela Maritime Boundary Treaty

[edit]

On March 28, 1978, Venezuela, using Aves Island as its reference, agreed to its maritime borders with the U.S. between Aves Island and Puerto Rico in the United States–Venezuela Maritime Boundary Treaty; this treaty came into force on 24 November 1980 after it was ratified by both parties.

The island is the closest Venezuelan territory to the United States, approximately 163 miles (262 km) from the U.S. island of St. Croix.

Agreement with France

[edit]

On June 17, 1980, Venezuela agreed with France that longitude 62°48′52″ W should be the maritime boundary between Aves Island and Guadeloupe and Martinique.

2006 Dominica and Venezuela informal agreement

[edit]

During a visit to Venezuela, Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, in June 2006, stated that Aves Island belongs to Venezuela, unofficially ending the territorial claim.[8]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ República de Venezuela y República Dominicana. 1981: Tratado de relimitación de áreas marinas y submarinas entre la República de Venezuela y República Dominicana. Ministerio de la Defensa. Caracas. 8p.
  2. ^ Vila, Marco Aurelio. 1967: Aspectos geográficos de las Dependencias Federales. Corporación Venezolana de Fomento. Caracas. 115p.
  3. ^ Cervigon, Fernando. 1995: Las Dependencias Federales. Academia Nacional de la Historia. Caracas. 193p.
  4. ^ Hernández Caballero, Serafín (Editor). 1998: Gran Enciclopedia de Venezuela. Editorial Globe, C.A. Caracas. 10 volúmenes. ISBN 980-6427-00-9 ISBN 980-6427-10-6
  5. ^ "The ARRL Letter". April 21, 2006.
  6. ^ González Oropeza, Hermann. y Donis Ríos, Manuel. 1989: Historia de las fronteras de Venezuela. Cuadernos Lagoven. Lagoven, S.A. Caracas. 180p. ISBN 980-259-257-9
  7. ^ "Our Claim Against Venezuela: Page 5". The New York Times. 26 June 1857.
  8. ^ "Viceministerio de Gestión Comunicacional". Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2009-09-13.
[edit]

Articles and papers

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Isla de Aves.
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