Tropicbirds Phaethontidae

Tropicbirds consist of a single genus and are one of the most graceful of all seabird families. They can be found across the world's tropical and subtropical oceans, generally breeding in loose colonies on remote oceanic islands. The adults have two extremely long central tail feathers, which can measure longer than the rest of their bodies. None of tropicbirds are considered threatened.



Phaethon

There are 3 members of this genus.

The White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus is the most numerous and widespread of the tropicbirds. They are also the only one that will sometimes nest in hollow tree trunks, often flying several kilometers inland to find suitable trees. The other two species nest on cliff ledges, or sheltered scrapes on the ground. This bird was one of several I observed at the Kilauea Lighthouse National Wildlife Refuge, Kauai, Hawaiian Islands.






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