Raru

Raru, also known as red-billed tropicbird or boson (Phaethon erubescens), is a seabird of the tropicbird family. This species is found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is a large bird with a length of approximately 30-35 cm and a wingspan of up to 95 cm. The raru is predominantly white with black markings and has a distinctive long, pointed tail with two red streamers that can extend up to 15 cm. Its beak is bright red and slightly hooked, adapted for catching fish and squid, which form its primary diet.

These birds are pelagic, spending most of their lives at sea and only coming ashore to breed. They typically nest on remote islands, in cliffs, or on rocky outcrops. The raru is a solitary bird for much of the year, coming together only for breeding. They lay a single egg, which is incubated by both parents. Chicks are altricial, requiring significant parental care until they are able to fly and forage independently.

The conservation status of the raru is currently evaluated as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, like many seabirds, they face threats from habitat degradation, pollution, and introduced predators on their nesting sites. Their reliance on specific marine environments also makes them vulnerable to changes in ocean ecosystems, including those related to climate change. Their distinctive appearance and wide distribution make them a notable species in tropical marine environments.