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Red-tailed Tropicbird

Phaethon rubricauda
Rabijunco Colirojo
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Song

Red-tailed Tropicbird

Appearance: The Red-tailed Tropicbird is noted for its striking appearance. It has mostly white plumage with a long, slender body, a long tail that can measure over a meter (about 3 feet) in length, and a bright red bill. The primary flight feathers are black, providing a sharp contrast to its white body.
Habitat: This species is primarily found in tropical and subtropical marine environments. Red-tailed Tropicbirds are often encountered near coastal areas, particularly in regions with rocky cliffs or small islands where they can find nesting sites. They are commonly seen in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Behavior: Red-tailed Tropicbirds are excellent fliers, utilizing dynamic glides and aerial displays during courtship. They feed on small fish and squid, which they catch by diving into the water from the air. These birds are known for their solitary or small group behavior when foraging but are more social during breeding seasons.
Breeding: Breeding occurs in colonies located on isolated islands. The nesting sites are often rocky ledges or crevices. Females lay a single egg, which both parents incubate. The chick is altricial, meaning it is born helpless and relies on the parents for warmth and food. The breeding season can vary but often peaks during the dry season when food is more abundant.

Conservation Status: The Red-tailed Tropicbird is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. 

Distribution

Caribbean Coast: The bird is observed nesting on several Caribbean islands, including San Andrés and Providencia, and the Cayos de Sucre. These locations provide suitable nesting sites and abundant food sources. Rocky cliffs and offshore islets along the Caribbean coast support their foraging and breeding behaviors.

Pacific Coast: Limited populations are also found along the Pacific Coast, particularly in the Chocó Department. The coastal ecosystems here offer a different but suitable habitat compared to the Caribbean.

Taxonomy

The Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Phaethontiformes
  • Family: Phaethontidae
  • Genus: Phaethon
  • Species: Phaethon rubricauda

Vocalization

Sounds Produced:  The Red-tailed Tropicbird emits a range of calls that can be described as a series of high-pitched, sharp, and resonant notes. Common calls include a repeated "ki-ki-ki" sound, which can be quite loud and is often used during courtship displays or to assert territory.
Courtship Displays: Males often vocalize to attract females during breeding season, showcasing their presence and fitness.

Territorial Defense: The calls are also used to ward off potential intruders and communicate with other individuals in the vicinity.
Parent-Offspring Communication: Calls may occur between parents and chicks for guidance and reassurance.