Birds
File:Phaethon rubricauda-courtship fly backwards.jpg

Red-tailed Tropicbird

Red-tailed Tropicbird

100
2 days ago
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
The Red-tailed Tropicbird is a striking pelagic seabird of the Indo-Pacific, easily identified by its vibrant red bill and two long, slender red central tail streamers. It has largely white plumage with subtle black markings. This elegant flyer spends most of its life at sea, returning to islands only to breed.
Where to spot
Widespread across the tropical and subtropical Indian and Pacific Oceans. Breeds on remote oceanic islands and atolls, often nesting in shallow scrapes on the ground under vegetation.
How to spot
Look for its brilliant red bill, long red tail streamers, and mostly white plumage with fine black barring on the back and black markings on the wings. Observe its buoyant, graceful flight high over the ocean. Listen for its distinctive rattling or squawking calls near colonies.
When to spot
Year-round resident in its tropical range. Breeding schedules vary regionally. Best observed during daylight hours near breeding colonies on islands, or on pelagic trips in suitable waters.
File:Phaethon rubricauda-courtship fly backwards.jpg
File:Phaethon rubricauda 120201641.jpg
File:Phaethon rubricauda 132956709.jpg
File:Phaethon rubricauda 134000144.jpg
File:Phaethon rubricauda 5466858.jpg
File:Phaethon rubricauda 5466873.jpg
File:Phaethon rubricauda 67343473.jpg
File:Phaethon rubricauda-courtship fly backwards.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Phaethon rubricauda 120201641.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Phaethon rubricauda 132956709.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Phaethon rubricauda 134000144.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Phaethon rubricauda 5466858.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Phaethon rubricauda 5466873.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Phaethon rubricauda 67343473.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The Red-tailed Tropicbird is the only tropicbird species with entirely red tail streamers, distinguishing it from its white-tailed relatives.
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Spotted

Recently spotted
312 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
2 days ago

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