Bird guideRed-billed Tropicbird

Spectacular seabird, very rarely seen from land but found locally around rocky islands near shore.

⚠️Not listed

At a glance

FamilyTropicbirds
SizeGiant
RarityRare
HabitatPelagic; rarely seen from land but found locally around rocky islands in tropical oceans.
Best timeMost reliable in New South Wales from November.

Sounds

Sound sample
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Recorded 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

Feeds by vertical plunge dives, which produce a plume of water like a mini whale blow.

Regional timing

New South Wales
Peak: November10 records
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