Bosunbirds

Bosunbirds are a family of seabirds, also known as Phaethontidae. They are pelagic, meaning they spend most of their lives at sea, and are found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. The family contains three extant species: the Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda), the Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus), and the White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus).

These birds are characterized by their striking white plumage, long, slender, pointed bills, and two elongated central tail feathers that give them their distinctive appearance. The length of these tail streamers varies by species and can be up to twice the length of the bird's body. Their wings are long and pointed, adapted for long-distance flight and soaring.

Bosunbirds are primarily piscivorous, feeding on fish and squid. They hunt by soaring high above the water and then diving headfirst to catch their prey. They are solitary foragers but often nest colonially in cliffs or on rocky islands, typically laying a single egg. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.

Despite their wide distribution, bosunbird populations face threats from introduced predators on their nesting islands, such as rats and cats, as well as from pollution and overfishing. Their conservation status varies by species, with some considered of least concern while others are more vulnerable.