Class: Aves, Order: Phaethontiformes, Family: Phaethontidae, Genus: Phaethon, Species: P. rubricauda
Red-tailed Tropicbird (Juvenile/Immature)
A medium-sized seabird with a stout body, webbed feet, and a strong, pointed beak. In its immature stage shown here, it lacks the characteristic long tail feathers of the adult.
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Plumage & appearance
Juvelines feature heavy black barring or scaling over a white base on the upperparts. Unlike adults, they lack the long red tail streamers and pinkish wash on the breast.
Ecological significance
Functions as a pelagic predator, feeding primarily on flying fish and squid, helping to balance marine populations in open ocean ecosystems.
Conservation status
Least Concern (Population stable)
Observation tips
Best observed from clifftop vantage points on oceanic islands where they nest. They are known for their spectacular aerial courtship displays involving backwards flying.
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