How to Identify Phaethontidae

Key Identification Features

• Compared to the adult white-tailed tropicbird, the red-tailed tropicbird is distinguished by its red bill and more fully white wings.
• Subspecies of the red-billed tropicbird can usually be distinguished by differences in size and plumage.
• Their tail feathers typically have black tips or subterminal black dots, and they lack the distinctive tail streamers of adult birds.

For instant identification in the field, use the iNature app — AI-powered, works offline.