Red-billed Tropicbird
NameRed-billed Tropicbird
Common NameRed-billed Tropicbird
Scientific NamePhaethon aethereus
FamilyPhaethontidae
Wingspan (cm)102
Length (cm)49
Weight (g)435
Plumage DetailsAdults are mostly white with a black stripe through the eye, fine black barring on the back and upperwings, and black primary flight feathers. The most prominent feature is the bright red bill. Juveniles have a yellow bill and more extensive black barring on the back.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include harsh, rattling, squawking, and grating calls, often given in flight or around nesting colonies.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsoceanic, coastal cliffs, remote islands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, eastern Pacific, and Indian Oceans, breeding on remote oceanic islands.
Identifying FeaturesBright red bill, Long white tail streamers (adults), Black eye stripe, White body plumage with fine black barring on back, Black primary flight feathers
Description
The Red-billed Tropicbird is a striking pelagic seabird characterized by its predominantly white plumage, long, flowing tail streamers, and a distinctive bright red bill. It spends most of its life over tropical oceans, coming to remote islands only to breed.
