17 of the migratory species were recorded regularly enough to indicate that they winter on or near the caye. Ospreys, Mangrove Warblers and White-crowned pigeons are among the Caye's regulars. Reptiles Three prominent members of the lizard family live on Half Moon Caye. The hawksbill is exploited for its shell from which ornaments, jewelry and other items are made. Both the loggerhead and the hawksbill are still sought for their meat.
Coconut palms dominate the eastern part of the caye.
Surrounding Half Moon Caye are waters teeming with life. From the shallow lagoon area to the southeast buttress formations, many marine species can be observed. This underwater cave, formed during periods of lower sea level, is a karst-eroded sinkhole where depths exceed 400 feet. It contains pleistocene stalactites and stalagmites and serves as an important habitat for shrimp an jewfish. The lighthouse situated on the tapering eastern side, was first built in 1820.