The red-billed tropicbird is a tropicbird, one of three closely related species of seabird of tropical oceans. Superficially resembling a tern in appearance, it has mostly white plumage with some black markings on the wings and back, a black mask and, as its common name suggests, a red bill. Most adults have tail streamers that are about two times their body length, with those in males being generally longer than those in females. The red-billed tropicbird itself has three subspecies recognized, including the nominate. The subspecies mesonauta is distinguished from the nominate by the rosy tinge of its fresh plumage, and the subspecies indicus can be differentiated by its smaller size, more restricted mask, and more orange bill. This species ranges across the tropical Atlantic, eastern Pacific, and Indian Oceans. The nominate is found in the southern Atlantic Ocean, the subspecies indicus in the waters off of the Middle East and in the Indian Ocean, and the subspecies mesonauta in the eastern portions of both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans and in the Caribbean. It was one of the many species described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae.
Region
Tropical Atlantic, eastern Pacific, and Indian Oceans
Typical Environment
Breeds on scattered oceanic islands and remote coastal cliffs throughout warm tropical waters. At sea it is highly pelagic, ranging widely over open ocean and only approaching land to breed. It forages along warm currents and near upwellings where prey is concentrated. Post-breeding movements are dispersive, and individuals may wander into subtropical waters. Nesting sites are typically on rocky islets, steep cliffs, and sparsely vegetated slopes with crevices or shallow burrows.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This sleek seabird is famous for its extremely long tail streamers, which can be about twice the body length, and its vivid red bill. It nests on remote oceanic islands, laying a single egg in cliff crevices or burrows and returning to sea to forage. Red-billed tropicbirds plunge-dive for flying fish and squid and spend most of their lives far from land. Three subspecies are recognized, differing subtly in size, mask extent, and bill hue.
P. a. mesonauta chick, Little Tobago
P. a. mesonauta, nesting, Little Tobago
Red-billed tropicbird egg
Temperament
solitary and pelagic
Flight Pattern
buoyant strong flier with soaring glides and quick, powerful wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds in loose colonies or scattered pairs on isolated islands. Typically monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds; both parents incubate a single egg and feed the chick. Nests are simple scrapes or crevices, often well hidden among rocks.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Usually silent at sea, but near colonies it gives harsh, cackling, and screaming calls. Vocalizations are loud and piercing, used in courtship flights and territorial displays.
