Red-Tailed Tropicbird

phaethon rubricauda

The Red-tailed Tropicbird, often considered one of the most striking seabirds, is a true master of the open ocean. Characterized by its brilliant white plumage and long, crimson tail streamers, this species spends the majority of its life soaring over the warm, tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Rather than relying on land, they only come ashore to breed, selecting remote oceanic islands and atolls to raise their young. Watching a Red-tailed Tropicbird in flight is a mesmerizing experience. They perform breathtaking, acrobatic aerial courtship displays, flying in synchronized circles while calling out to mates. Despite their aerial agility and prowess in plunge-diving for fish, they are incredibly awkward on land. Their legs are positioned so far back on their bodies that they cannot walk properly, instead awkwardly shuffling forward on their bellies to reach their nests. For quick identification of Red-Tailed Tropicbird during outdoor trips, download the Snappit app.

Habitat: Exclusively marine and pelagic, they spend most of their lives over warm tropical oceanic waters, coming ashore only to nest on remote coral atolls and volcanic islands.

Appearance

The Red-tailed Tropicbird is a medium-sized seabird primarily boasting bright white plumage that contrasts sharply with a black crescent-shaped mask extending through the eyes. Its most distinct feature is a pair of extremely elongated, thin, bright red central tail feathers, known as streamers, which can double the bird's overall length. They have a stout, bright red beak suited for catching fish, and subtle black shafts visible on their primary flight feathers. With a wingspan reaching up to 120 cm, they have a robust, somewhat chunky body shape in flight, setting them apart from other slender seabirds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPhaethontiformesFamilyPhaethontidaeGenusPhaethon

Red-Tailed Tropicbird

Interesting facts

Because they lack a brood patch, they use their webbed feet, which are heavily supplied with blood vessels, to keep their single egg warm during incubation.

In Polynesian culture, the vibrant red tail feathers of this bird were highly prized and historically used for personal adornment and trade.

The red tail streamers of a Red-tailed Tropicbird can take up to 35 centimeters of their total body length.

They are known to fly hundreds of miles away from land and can remain at sea for months without ever touching solid ground.

Special abilities

They can hover briefly 15 to 30 meters above the water before folding their wings and diving like a missile into the ocean to catch fish and squid.

Because their legs are positioned extremely far back on their bodies to aid in swimming, they cannot walk on two legs and must awkwardly push themselves forward on their bellies on land.

During mating season, they perform spectacular, synchronized aerial displays, involving high-speed chases, backward flight, and intricate vertical circles in the sky.

Measurements & details

Length: 90-105 cm
Wingspan: 100-120 cm
Weight: 0.6-0.85 kg
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Top Speed: 45 km/h
Clutch Size: 1
Incubation: 40-50 days

Diet & Feeding

The Red-tailed Tropicbird is a marine predator that feeds heavily on fish and cephalopods caught near the ocean's surface.

Age differences: Chicks are fed regurgitated, partially digested fish and squid until they fledge.

Primary Foods

Flying fish
Squid
Mackerel

Foraging Method

Plunge Diving

Ecological connections

hunts

Tropical Two-wing Flyingfish

Exocoetus volitans

Primary prey species targeted during plunge-dives.

competitor

Great Frigatebird

Fregata minor

Often steals caught food from tropicbirds in mid-air via kleptoparasitism.

eaten by

Black Rat

Rattus rattus

Invasive predator that attacks ground nests and eats chicks.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Red-Tailed Tropicbird?

The easiest way to identify Red-Tailed Tropicbird is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Red-Tailed Tropicbird?

90-105 cm

What is Red-Tailed Tropicbird's wingspan?

100-120 cm

How much does Red-Tailed Tropicbird weigh?

0.6-0.85 kg

How long does Red-Tailed Tropicbird live?

15-20 years

How fast can Red-Tailed Tropicbird move?

45 km/h

What does Red-Tailed Tropicbird eat?

The Red-tailed Tropicbird is a marine predator that feeds heavily on fish and cephalopods caught near the ocean's surface.

Where is Red-Tailed Tropicbird usually found?

Exclusively marine and pelagic, they spend most of their lives over warm tropical oceanic waters, coming ashore only to nest on remote coral atolls and volcanic islands.