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Spectacular seabird, very rarely seen from land but found locally around rocky islands near shore.
Not listed
At a glance
FamilyTropicbirds
SizeGiant
RarityRare
HabitatPacific Subtropical Islands
Best timeMost reliable in New South Wales from November.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Phoenix Birder
Range map
Range map
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Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Usually seen as single birds sitting on the sea or as pairs chasing and screeching around cliffs, often high overhead. Adult has stout red bill and long white tail streamers. Immature has yellow bill and short, black-tipped tail.
Behavior
Spectacular seabird, very rarely seen from land but found locally around rocky islands near shore. Feeds by vertical plunge dives, which produce a plume of water like a mini whale blow.
Gallery