The red-tailed tropicbird eats fish—mainly flying fish and squid—after catching them by plunge-diving into the ocean.
VIC: Vulnerable; SA: Vulnerable
Indigenous: Bosun-Bird, Red-Tailed Tropic-Bird, Red-Tailed Bos'n-Bird
At a glance
FamilyTropicbirds
SizeSmall
RarityUncommon
HabitatMarine and coastal; usually over tropical or subtropical seas, around islands, reefs, and offshore waters.
Best timeMost reliable in New South Wales from March.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Peter Boesman
Range map
Range map
168visible hotspots
1008visible records
4states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
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
A medium-sized, mostly white seabird with a red beak. The long red tail streamers can be difficult to see at a distance. Rarely seen inland. Larger and heavier-bodied than White-tailed Tropicbird.
Behavior
At sea usually flies high above the water. Pairs and groups perform backward-wheeling courtship displays while giving loud squawks.
Gallery
Regional timing
New South Wales
Queensland
Western Australia
Northern Territory