A special protection area since 1990, the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is a site of major national importance for local birds, migratory birds and especially for wintering birds. One hundred and thirty-four species have been recorded, including the Common Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta), Red Knot (Calidris canutus), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), and Herring Gull (Larus argentatus). At Tombelaine, the site is also home to the Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), the Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna), and the Cattle Heron (Bubulcus ibis).