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Phaethontidae is made up of only one genus known as Phaethon. This genus is made up of three species namely P. rubricauda, P. lepturus and P. aetherus. Tropicbirds belong to this genus. They are pan-tropical in nature, meaning that they can live in both subtropical waters and warm tropical regions. They are found in Pacific, Indian and Atlantic waters. Breeding patterns of the tropicbird Tropicbirds are uniquely pelagic and their best breeding areas are remote oceanic islands. The incubation period of eggs ranges between 42 and 46 days. Their young ones are altricial. All newly hatched tropicbirds weigh an average of 20 g. it is the sole responsibility of the adult tropicbird to brood these chicks. The chicks depend on these adults for everything they need in order to survive. The chicks fledge after about 80 days. They attain adult plumage after two years. A tropicbird can live for up to 30 years. Physical characteristics of tropicbirds A tropicbird of an average build weighs 500 grams. The fattest one can weigh up to 800 grams. The length is about 35cm, including the tail streamers, which are a very dominant feature in every tropicbird. The wingspan is between 90 and 119cm. Tropicbirds seem to be very elegant. They are also slender and the tail feather is rather elongated. The retrices and streamers make this bird look unique. These birds have a white plumage with a slight pink or yellow tint. These marks are mainly on its flight feathers. They also have black eye stripes. Both sexes are identical although if you are very keen, you will notice that males have slightly longer streamers. The bills that are yellow or red in color are slightly curved and have serrated edges. They have gular pouch that is feathered. Their legs are rather short. The tarsus are responsible for this short stature. The feet are proportionately small. The four toes are all joined together by webs, and are therefore said to be totipalmate. Tropicbirds are also pervious in nature, that is, their external nares are exposed. Their nostrils have a slit-like appearance and the skull has no supraorbital groove in order to create room for the nasal gland. The diet of tropicbirds These birds feed mainly on squid, flying fish, also known as Exocotidae, and other small fish. They also like feeding on crustaceans and many other small marine organisms. The main predators of tropicbirds are rats, humans and cats. Tropicbirds’ habitat Tropicbirds are monogamous animals. Two Tropicbirds of different sexes can live together for many years. They keep returning to the same nest every now and then. Their courtships are aerial and extremely noisy. Courtship relationships start with a large colony of birds, between 6 and 12 of them. They circle the breeding colonies and keep vocalizing very loudly. During this time, they love flying in zigzag motions. Their breeding grounds may be perennial or seasonal. Their best nest sites are on cliffs, crags, hollows of trees or scrapes formed on the ground.
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