Red-billed Tropicbird
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54800218" class="extiw" title="d:Q54800218"><span title="Scottish wildlife photographer">Charles J. Sharp</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NameRed-billed Tropicbird
Common NameRed-billed Tropicbird
Scientific NamePhaethon aethereus
FamilyPhaethontidae
Wingspan (cm)102.5
Length (cm)81.5
Weight (g)450
Plumage DetailsAdults are predominantly white with a bright red bill. They have black markings on the primary coverts and outer primaries, and a faint black eye-stripe. Two extremely long, white central tail streamers extend far beyond the rest of the tail.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include harsh, grating calls, often described as 'krr-r-r-r' or 'kek-kek-kek', typically given during courtship flights or when disturbed at the nest.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatspelagic, oceanic islands, cliffs
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in tropical and subtropical waters across the Atlantic, eastern Pacific, and Indian Oceans, breeding on remote islands within these regions.
Identifying FeaturesBright red bill, All-white body plumage, Two extremely long white tail streamers, Black markings on outer wings
Description
The Red-billed Tropicbird is a striking pelagic seabird known for its brilliant white plumage and distinctive red bill. It spends most of its life over open ocean, only coming to remote oceanic islands to breed and nest in cliff crevices or on the ground.
