The red-tailed tropicbird is a seabird native to tropical parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. One of three closely related species of tropicbird (Phaethontidae), it was described by Pieter Boddaert in 1783. Superficially resembling a tern in appearance, it has almost all-white plumage with a black mask and a red bill. The sexes have similar plumage. As referenced in the common name, adults have red tail streamers that are about twice their body length. Four subspecies are recognised, but there is evidence of clinal variation in body size—with smaller birds in the north and larger in the south—and hence no grounds for subspecies.
Region
Tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans
Typical Environment
Breeds on remote oceanic islands, atolls, and coastal cliffs across the tropical Indo-Pacific, including scattered islands from the western Indian Ocean to Hawaii and Polynesia. At sea it is highly pelagic, ranging widely over warm, open waters far from land. Nesting typically occurs on sparsely vegetated ground, in rock crevices, or under low shrubs where shade provides relief from heat. Colonies are usually small to moderately sized and often occur on predator-free islets. Outside the breeding season, birds disperse broadly across tropical waters, sometimes wandering into subtropical zones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The red-tailed tropicbird is a graceful ocean wanderer that comes to land only to breed on remote tropical islands. Adults sport striking, elongated red tail streamers that can be twice their body length and are used in aerial courtship displays. They plunge-dive for fish and squid, often near schools driven to the surface by predatory fish. Despite global threats at colonies from invasive predators and human disturbance, the species remains widespread.
Closeup of head showing comma-shaped markings
P. r. rubricuada nesting on Nosy Ve
Nesting and sheltering chick under its wing
Egg
Young chick with down
Young bird on Nosy Ve, Madagascar
Being swarmed by yellow crazy ants, Johnston Atoll
Temperament
solitary at sea, social at breeding sites
Flight Pattern
strong flier with buoyant glides and agile aerial displays
Social Behavior
Breeds in loose colonies or scattered pairs on oceanic islands, laying a single egg on bare ground, under vegetation, or in crevices. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Courtship involves spectacular synchronized flights and display circles above colonies. Outside the breeding season they are entirely pelagic and rarely seen near land.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally silent at sea, but at colonies gives harsh squawks, cackles, and grating screams. Vocalizations are most frequent during courtship flights and territorial interactions.
Plumage
Almost entirely white with a faint rosy wash, a black eye-mask and fine dark barring on the upperparts. Long, narrow, bright red tail streamers extend well beyond the body. Wings are slender and pointed with subtle dark markings on the upper surface.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small fish and squid, including flying fish, taken by plunge-diving from height or surface seizing. Often associates with predatory fish or marine mammals that drive prey to the surface. Foraging can occur alone or in small loose aggregations over productive waters and current edges.
Preferred Environment
Warm, open oceanic waters near breeding islands, shelf edges, and areas of upwelling. Frequently forages offshore but may approach island coasts when prey is concentrated.
