Red-tailed Tropicbird
Phaethon rubricauda
Least Concern
The Red-tailed Tropicbird is a stunning white seabird with two long red tail feathers that stream behind it like ribbons. These elegant birds spend most of their lives soaring over tropical oceans.
Tropicbirds are masterful fliers that rarely land except to breed on remote islands. They can hover in place and dive into the sea to catch fish.
Size
Body about the size of a pigeon, tail adds another 12 inches!
Medium (25-40 cm)
Wingspan: 110 cm
Weight: 700 g
Colors
white
black
red
Habitat
coastal
Diet
fish
Fun Facts
- ✨Their long red tail feathers can be 14 inches long!
- ✨They spend months flying over the ocean without landing.
- ✨Native Hawaiians used their tail feathers for royal capes.
- ✨They fly backwards during courtship displays!
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Great news! This bird is doing well. There are lots of them in the wild, and they have safe places to live and find food.
Population trend: decreasing 📉