Family: |
Phaethontidae (tropicbirds) |
Max. size: |
78 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 320.0 g |
Environment: |
pelagic; marine |
Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean and Black Sea. |
Diagnosis: |
Culmen: 6.35 cm; tarsus: 4.66 cm; wing: 28.58 cm. |
Biology: |
Total Length: 38 to 40 cm; Wingspan: 89 to 96 cm (Ref. 8812). Found along shores and over sea (Ref. 83946); over deep water far, <1000 km offshore (Ref. 81748). Adults are solitary and pelagic (Ref. 122680). Exhibits dipping behavior (Ref. 81748). Captures prey by plunge diving from 15 to 20 m above the water. Diet is poorly known but includes flyingfish (Ref. 122680). Generally pelagic during non-breeding season. Loosely colonial. Commonly trail ships (Ref. 91362). |
IUCN Red List Status: |
(LC); Date assessed: 09 December 2019 Ref. 123251)
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Threat to humans: |
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Country info: |
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