|
White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus *Breeds on Oahu Adult birds have mostly white plumage with long, white, tail streamers (33-40 cm). Tail feathers are visible while the bird is in flight as compared to the Red-tailed Tropicbird. Black eye-stripe from gape curving towards and passing through eye. Diagonal black stripe across upper wings. Yellowish to orange bill. Legs/feet are yellowish with black webs. Length:15-16 in, 28-32 in including tail streamers; wingspan: 35-38 in. Typically solitary feeders though sometimes seen in pairs. With folded wings, white-tails hit the water and completely submerge to seize and swallow prey before flight. Prey consists of fish and squid. Several pairs might still be nesting on Mokoli'i Island which is also called Chinamen's hat.In addition several birds have been seen in Manoa and Palolo valleys where nesting might be occurring on remote cliffs. Trip Reports By Date Sightings Charts Checklist | Pick-up locations | Links Guestbook | Birding on Oahu Our Land Eco-Tours | Bird Books Oahu Nature Tours Phone:(808) 924-2473 Fax: (808) 924-5395  All content and photos on this website are copyrighted and not to be used or distributed without written permission from Oahu Nature Tours, Inc. and Robin W.Baird |
|