Red-Billed Tropicbird

By Karey Fuhs

The Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus, ave tropical) is a spectacularly elegant, solitary bird with white feathers, black barring on the back, black primary feathers, and bright red bill. Its most distinguishing characteristic, however, is its long white tail, which can reach up to a half-meter in length.

During the breeding season, which varies in the archipelago, the red-billed tropicbird performs a courtship flight characterized by a shrill, “knee-knee-knee” call. The female lays a single egg in a fissure of a cliff, which is then incubated by both parents for about six weeks.

Red-billed tropicbirds are best seen off the cliffs of South Plaza, Daphne Major, and Genovesa.