Islands play a pivotal role in both the evolution of new avian species and the extinction of others. Because islands are isolated landmasses, species that arrive there evolve separately from their parent groups, eventually becoming unique through genetic drift. However, because island species are restricted to small areas with limited populations, they are highly susceptible to natural disasters—such as hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and rising sea levels—as well as human-caused pressures. This talk focuses on the issues unique to islands and how we might protect these vulnerable species.