White-tailed Tropicbird

Phaethon lepturus

Family: Tropicbirds · Status: Vagrant · Size: 38–41 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds across tropical and subtropical Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans to the Caribbean.

Identification

Adult is distinctive, white overall with very long central tail feathers, diagonal black band across upperwing coverts, blackish patch on outer primaries, black mask and yellowish bill. Ssp. fulvus, which breeds on Christmas Island, has a golden wash to its white plumage and is also known as the Golden Bosunbird. Juvenile lacks the central tail feathers and black diagonal band and has black bars/scales on mantle.

Habitat

Open seas.

Behaviour

Wanders widely outside breeding season.