Red-billed Tropicbird
NameRed-billed Tropicbird
Common NameRed-billed Tropicbird
Scientific NamePhaethon aethereus
FamilyPhaethontidae
Wingspan (cm)102.5
Length (cm)49
Weight (g)630
Plumage DetailsAdults are mostly white with fine black barring on the back, black primaries, and a prominent black eye-stripe. The most striking feature is their bright red bill. Juveniles are similar but lack the long tail streamers and have a yellowish or dusky bill.
Vocalization / CallKnown for harsh, rattling, and screaming calls, especially around breeding colonies. They also produce high-pitched whistles and croaking sounds.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatspelagic, oceanic islands, coastal cliffs
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across tropical and subtropical oceans of the Atlantic, eastern Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They breed on islands in these regions, including the Caribbean, eastern Pacific islands, and islands off Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Identifying FeaturesBright red bill (adults), Long white central tail streamers (adults), Predominantly white plumage with black eye-stripe, Black primaries, Fine black barring on back
Description
The Red-billed Tropicbird is a medium-sized seabird characterized by its predominantly white plumage, long central tail streamers, and a distinctive bright red bill. These pelagic birds spend most of their lives over tropical and subtropical oceans, only returning to land to breed in colonies on remote islands.
