Almost all of the landbird species belong to an endemic taxon. Aldabra's most famous species is the endemic Aldabra Giant Tortoise. Aldabra Drongo Dicrurus aldabranus has the distinction of being the sole undisputed endemic still certainly extant. It is relatively common throughout the atoll with an estimated population of 1,500. Aldabra awaits a full genetic study of its avifauna.
Arguments exist for raising other taxa, currently considered races, to species level.
The Aldabra Rail's differences to Madagascar stock clearly go beyond habitat. It has evolved in geographic isolation and its wings are defunct, giving it the dubious distinction of being the only surviving flightless bird of the Indian Ocean region. Morphologically it is not obviously distinct, but specific status would give this remarkable taxon a higher conservation profile. Fodies are confined to the western Indian Ocean. Aldabra Fody is particularly distinctive, males being the most attractive of all fodies, possessing a bright scarlet head, neck and upper breast, which is sharply demarcated from the sulphur yellow belly.