Ikaria island is characterized as an Important Bird Area and has an international code GR143-Ikaria Island, as attributed by the Hellenic Ornithological Society.
According to the Society, Ikaria is an important area for breeding raptors and migratory birds. There nare also found species of global conservation concern, that do not meet IBA criteria, such as Haliaeetus albicilla and Falco naumanni (3-5 breeding pairs).
| Species | Season | Period | Population of estimate | Quality of estimate | IBA criteria | IUCN Category |
| Eleonora's Falcon (Falco eleonorae) | breeding | 1996 | abundant [units unknown] | - | B2 | Least concerned |
| Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) | resident | 1996 | 5 breeding pairs | medium | B2 | Least concernecd |
| Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciatus) | resident | 1996 | 3 breeding pairs | medium | B2 | Least concerned |
| Cinereous Bunting (Emberiza cineracea) | breeding | - | present [units unknown] | - | A1,B2,C1,C6 | Near threatened |
The main threats for birds in the area, are grazing and the opening of new roads. Tourism and hunting are limited. Part of the area is a candidate SAC. Other serious threats are: abandonment / reduction of land management (low), agricultural intensification(high), deforestation (commercial) (medium), firewood collection (moderate), forest grazing (high), infrastructures (medium), selective logging cutting (medium), unsustainable exploitation (low).
Birdwatching lovers should be very interesting in exploring bird life if Ikaria!