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Photo: © tane-mahuta iStock/Getty Images Plus
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White-tailed Tropicbird

Phaethon lepturus
Rabijunco Piquigualdo
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Song

White-tailed Tropicbird

Appearance: Primarily white body with a long tail, which can be quite elongated (up to 1 meter) with pointed tips. A bright yellow bill that contrasts beautifully with its plumage. The wings are long and slender, enabling graceful aerial maneuvers. Dark eye and slight black markings behind the eye, enhancing its striking look.
Habitat: The White-tailed Tropicbird is found primarily in tropical and subtropical marine environments. Prefers remote islands and rocky cliffs along both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Colombia. Frequently seen over open ocean waters where it can hunt for fish and squid.

Behavior: Excellent fliers, capable of soaring and high-speed dives.They primarily feed on small fish and cephalopods, which they catch by diving into the water. Often seen alone or in small groups, especially during feeding, but more social during breeding season.
Breeding: They typically nest on cliffs or rocky ledges to provide safety from predators. Varies by location, but generally peaks during warmer months when food availability is higher. Females lay a single egg, which both parents incubate. The chick is altricial and relies heavily on parental care.

Conservation Status: The White-tailed Tropicbird is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Distribution

Caribbean Coast: The species is commonly found on various islands in the Caribbean Sea, particularly: San Andrés and Providencia Islands, Cayos de Sucre and the Cayos de Almería, Remote cays and rocky coastlines that provide ideal nesting and foraging sites. The bird favors rocky ledges and cliff areas on these islands for nesting.

Pacific Coast: Although sightings are less frequent, the White-tailed Tropicbird can be encountered along Colombia's Pacific coastline.Smaller, remote islands may also support breeding and feeding populations.

Taxonomy

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

Vocalization

Calls: The White-tailed Tropicbird produces a variety of calls that are generally described as a series of sharp, high-pitched sounds. Common calls include a rhythmic sequence of “kee-kee-kee” or “kree-kree-kree” sounds. These vocalizations can be quite loud and often resonate in rocky coastal areas where they nest.
Courtship Communication: Males use their calls to attract females during the breeding season, signaling their presence and readiness to mate.

Territorial Defense: Vocalizations can also serve to establish territory, warning other birds to stay away from nesting sites.

Parent-Offspring Interaction: Calls may occur between parents and chicks to guide and reassure them.