Phaethontidae Archives

Phaethontidae - Tropicbirds

There are three species of large seabirds in this family. They are found on open tropical oceans, except during breeding season.

Tropicbirds are white and have black markings on their face, wings, and back; short necks; long, pointed wings; long, pointed bills; and long, streaming tail feathers.

Tropicbirds eat fish, especially flying fish.

They nest on isolated islands. The female lays a single egg. Both the male and the female incubate the egg and care for the chick. The chick fledges when it is about 12 weeks old.

Red-Billed Tropicbird
(Phaethon aethereus)

The red-billed tropicbird is found on coasts and islands in the tropical Atlantic, eastern Pacific, and Indian Oceans. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
Red-Billed Tropicbird
(Phaethon aethereus)

The red-billed tropicbird is the largest species of tropicbird. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
White-Tailed Tropicbird
(Phaethon lepturus)

The white-tailed tropicbird is found on coasts and islands in the tropical Atlantic, western Pacific, and Indian Oceans. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
White-Tailed Tropicbird
(Phaethon lepturus)

The white-tailed tropicbird is the smallest species of tropicbird. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
Red-Tailed Tropicbird
(Phaethon rubricauda)

The red-tailed tropicbird is found on coasts and islands in Pacific and Indian Oceans. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
Red-Tailed Tropicbird
(Phaethon rubricauda)

The red-tailed tropicbird has long red tail feathers. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern