Cory's shearwater
Of the plants that exist at Fajã dos Cubres the predominant species include, the sharp-pointed rush ("Juncus acutus"), along the lagoon, Queen Anne's lace ("Daucus carota") and the Azorean spurge ("Euphorbia azorica"). The presence of estuary grasses ("Ruppia maritima") within the lagoon is of great importance, since they were exceptional within the Azores (and only at this site). The fajã has a variety of typical marine flora and fauna, and its lagoon has become a natural refuge for diverse marine and migratory birds. Nesting birds include the Cory's shearwater ("Calonectris diomedea borealis"), common snipe ("Gallinago gallinago"), yellow-legged gull ("Larus cachinnans atlantis") and the common tern ("Sterna hirundo"). In addition, annually, farmers bring cattle down to the fajã to graze. Although prohibited now, at one time fishing occurred in the lagoon, mostly mullet and anchovies, using netting techniques.