Red-tailed Tropicbird

Overview

The red-tailed tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) is a seabird native to tropical regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is one of three closely related species in the family Phaethontidae, superficially resembling a tern but distinguished by its long tail streamers.

Identification

• Almost all-white plumage with a dark brown comma-shaped stripe extending from the lores over the eyes, and a bright red bill.
• Large size (95–104 cm) with two red tail streamers that are approximately twice the bird's body length.
• Pale blue-mauve legs with black webbing, and dark chevron-shaped patches on the white wings.
• Generally silent in flight, but may give short greeting squawks or low growling defensive calls.

Habitat

Ranges across the southern Indian and western and central Pacific Oceans, from East Africa to Chile and Hawaii. It frequents oceanic islands, rocky cliffs, coral atolls, and cays where water temperatures range from 24 to 30 °C.

Diet

Feeds on fish, mainly flying fish and squid, which it catches by plunge-diving into the ocean.

Did you know?

The red-tailed tropicbird is an awkward walker on land, moving with a shuffling gait because it cannot walk well.