Red-billed Tropicbird
Image: emilymcfarling (cc-by-nc)
NameRed-billed Tropicbird
Common NameRed-billed Tropicbird
Scientific NamePhaethon aethereus
FamilyPhaethontidae
Wingspan (cm)102.5
Length (cm)49
Weight (g)420
Plumage DetailsAdults are mostly white with fine black barring on the back and upperwings, a prominent black stripe through the eye, and a bright red bill. They possess two extremely long white tail streamers, which can be longer than their body.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include harsh, rattling, and squawking calls, often given in flight or around breeding colonies.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatspelagic, rocky islands, cliffs
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across tropical and subtropical regions of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Identifying FeaturesBright red bill, Black eye-stripe, Long white tail streamers (adults), Fine black barring on back and upperwings
Description
The Red-billed Tropicbird is a medium-sized seabird characterized by its predominantly white plumage and long, streaming tail feathers. It is a pelagic species, spending most of its life at sea, only coming to land to breed on remote oceanic islands.
