Red-billed Tropicbird
NameRed-billed Tropicbird
Common NameRed-billed Tropicbird
Scientific NamePhaethon aethereus
FamilyPhaethontidae
Wingspan (cm)102.5
Length (cm)49
Weight (g)350
Plumage DetailsPredominantly white plumage with fine black barring on the back and flanks. The primary flight feathers are black, and there is a black stripe through the eye. Its most distinctive feature is a bright red, conical bill. Adults possess two extremely long, white central tail streamers.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include harsh, grating squawks and screams, often given in flight or near nesting colonies. They can also produce a series of rapid, high-pitched 'kreek-kreek-kreek' calls.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsoceanic, coastal cliffs, remote islands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in tropical and subtropical waters across the Atlantic, eastern Pacific, and Indian Oceans. It breeds on remote oceanic islands and rocky coasts within these regions.
Identifying FeaturesBright red bill, Two extremely long white tail streamers (adults), White body with fine black barring on back, Black primary flight feathers, Black eye stripe
Description
The Red-billed Tropicbird is a striking pelagic seabird known for its long, streaming tail feathers and vibrant red bill. It spends most of its life over tropical oceans, only coming to remote islands to breed. These birds are agile flyers, often seen soaring or performing aerial courtship displays.
