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Red-tailed tropicbird

Red-tailed tropicbird

Adorned with rose hues on their breast when in breeding plumage, and black borders on their wings, these spectacular snowy-feathered seabirds grace Norfolk’s skies between October and May.

Using their two bright scarlet tail quills, they perform elaborate and unique courtship rituals, including hovering vertically or even flying backward over each other in raucous, rollicking displays.

Scientific name

Phaethon rubricauda

We say

Bosunbird

Size

Length: 80 cm

Wingspan: 110-120 cm

Population

Common

Residency status

Migrant

Where to see

Look for Red-tailed tropicbirds showcasing their vertical acrobatics at the Captain Cook Monument lookout throughout the day.

A small pink flower amongst large green leaves.

Looking out over rolling green hills and rocky cliffs against the sea. A wooden fence is in the foreground.

A white circular sign fixed to a wooden guardrail in a lush forrest.

A white circular sign on a wooden post. Lush forest greenery is in the background.

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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.