Red-tailed Tropicbird
Phaethon rubricauda
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<birdfyi-bird slug="phaethon-rubricauda"></birdfyi-bird>The Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) is a bird species in the family Phaethontidae, within the order Phaethontiformes. Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 66.1 cm and a weight of 599 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
Red-tailed Tropicbird, 45–56 cm plus 30–35 cm red tail streamers, is the most distinctive tropicbird, found across the Indo-Pacific. Almost pure white with a red bill and the distinctive red tail. Plunge-dives for flying fish and squid over warm tropical waters. Breeds on coral islands; mostly pelagic otherwise.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 66.1 cm | 26.0 in |
| Weight | 599.0 g | 21.13 oz |
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CR,SC. Incubation: 42-46 days. Fledging: 67-91 days.
Clutch Size
1
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phaethontiformes |
| Family | Phaethontidae |
| Genus | Phaethon |
| Species | Phaethon rubricauda |
Distribution
Red-tailed Tropicbird has been recorded in 3 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Red-tailed Tropicbird endangered?
How does the Red-tailed Tropicbird nest?
How big is the Red-tailed Tropicbird?
What order and family does the Red-tailed Tropicbird belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Phaethontidae family