tropicbirds

Tropicbirds are a small family of pelagic seabirds, Phaethontidae, consisting of three species in the genus Phaethon. They inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans and typically nest on remote islands and coastal cliffs. Tropicbirds are best known for their extremely long central tail feathers, which give them a striking silhouette in flight.

The three species are the blue-tailed tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus), the white-tailed tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus), and the red-billed tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda). Adults are largely white with dark markings on the wings, and they retain long tail plumes. The blue-tailed tropicbird has a characteristic blue tail, while the red-billed tropicbird has a red bill and more pronounced dark markings on the crown. Males and females are similar in appearance.

Tropicbirds feed mainly on small fish and squid taken near the surface. They are strong fliers and often hunt from the air over the water, dipping or skimming to catch prey. They tend to nest in colonies on bare rock, soil, or ledges on tropical islands. Each year they typically lay a single egg, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties. The long tail plumes are prominent in courtship displays and are thought to play a role in mate attraction.

Conservation status varies by species and region. Many tropicbird colonies are restricted to remote islands, making them vulnerable to introduced predators such as rats and cats, as well as habitat disturbance and changes in food availability due to climate change. Protected nesting sites and ongoing monitoring help conserve these distinctive seabirds.