Red-tailed Tropicbird
NameRed-tailed Tropicbird
Common NameRed-tailed Tropicbird
Scientific NamePhaethon rubricauda
FamilyPhaethontidae
Wingspan (cm)102.5
Length (cm)75.5
Weight (g)700
Plumage DetailsAdults have pristine white plumage with a distinctive black patch around the eye. The bill is a vibrant red, and they possess two very long, slender red central tail streamers that can extend significantly beyond the tail.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include harsh, rattling, and screeching calls, often heard around their breeding colonies. They also produce high-pitched whistles.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, breeding on remote oceanic islands.
Identifying FeaturesAll-white body plumage, Bright red bill, Black eye patch, Two very long, red central tail streamers
Description
The Red-tailed Tropicbird is a striking seabird characterized by its entirely white plumage, bright red bill, and two exceptionally long, red central tail streamers. This pelagic species spends most of its life over tropical oceans, only coming ashore to breed on remote islands.
