Red-tailed Tropicbird

Phaethon rubricauda is an elegant tropical seabird breeding in the Kermadec Islands. It differs from white-tailed tropicbirds through its red tail streamers and generally heavier build. Adults are white with a red bill, black eye-stripe and two extremely long red central tail feathers. Fine dark barring may mark the back and wings.

New Zealand breeding is centred on the Kermadec Islands. Birds range widely over warm oceanic water and rarely approach the main islands. They plunge-dive for fish and squid from considerable height. Pairs nest in cavities or beneath vegetation on remote islands.

The New Zealand classification is Nationally Increasing. Raoul Island and nearby Kermadec islands are key sites, but public access is restricted.