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Project Noah Nature School
Phaethon rubricauda
The Red-tailed Tropicbird looks like a stout tern, and hence closely resembles the other two tropicbird species. It has generally white plumage, often with a pink tinge, a black crescent around the eye and a thin red tail feather. It has a bright red bill and black feet.
Lady Elliot Island, on the upper shore, under a Octopus bush (Heliotropium foertherianum).
This chick was about 6-10 days old. The parents we're taking turns feeding it, but generally just resting with it.
Spotted on Sep 21, 2013
Submitted on Sep 29, 2013
6 Comments
Nice one Lori.tas
These tropicbirds were very relaxed, or I never would have gotten these shots, given how shaded the nesting area was. The chick was hilarious. Always squirming and stretching and waking up its parents.
Lovely birds! Great shots with the chick too! How cute!
Added more photos.
Thanks Marta. I feel very privileged to have seen these birds nesting with a chick. They are so beautiful. The adults have this 'apricot' sheen that makes them all the more striking.
Very nice spotting!