|
|
|
Useful Links |
Red-billed Tropicbird | Phaethon aethereus
The Red-billed Tropicbird is a Southern African bird that belongs to the Phaethontidae bird family group which includes birds such as Tropic, birds. The description for the Red-billed Tropicbird (Latin name Phaethon aethereus) can be found in the 7th Edition of the Roberts Birds of Southern Africa. The Phaethon aethereus can be quickly identified by its unique Roberts identification number of 910 and the detailed description of this bird is on page 563. You will find a picture of the Red-billed Tropicbird on page 545. NOTE: The reference for the information following is "Roberts Birds of Southern Africa", 7th Edition*. This edition contained a number of taxonomic changes as well as changes to English names used traditionally and in earlier editions of most bird books in South Africa. The following paragraph notes such changes if any. There have been no changes in the common name between the Roberts 6th and Roberts 7th Edition. There have been no changes in the Latin name for the Red-billed Tropicbird between the Roberts 6th and Roberts 7th Edition The Red-billed Tropicbird has a height of 105 cms and weighs around 700 gms. The head is coloured white while the bill is coloured brown. The Phaethon aethereus has a white coloured throat, brown legs and a white coloured back. The eyes are brown. Take note of the main distinguishing features such as colour, size and leg length relative to the body size. Colours of body parts can be helpful. Be aware what may appear brown to one person is described in Roberts using some other word ... for example brown, black. See colours used in Roberts. Head is white Eyes are brown Bill is brown Legs are brown Throat is white Back is white Feeding Habits ...This bird has a specially adapted bill which helps it hunt for fish, crabs, shrimp and other aquatic animals in the water. This bird is a well known scavenger and rarely kills its own prey. Breeding, Habitat and Nesting Habits ...The Red-billed Tropicbird is a very rare bird that can only be seen out at sea following fish vessels. It can be seen in the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean. Seen in Flocks, Singles or Pairs Normally ...The Red-billed Tropicbird is mainly seen singly or in pairs in the wild. |
