Definition:
(noun) A type of pelagic bird distinguished by its mostly white plumage and long streamers from its central tail feathers. Depending on the species, tropicbirds may have brightly colored bills and black wing markings. They are plunge diving birds but do not dive as deeply as the larger, more heavily built pelagic birds.
Found in the Phaethontidae family, there are only three species of tropicbird: the red-billed, red-tailed and white-tailed tropicbirds.
Photo – White-Tailed Tropicbird © kansasphoto
Pronunciation:
TRAH-pik-burd
Also Known As:
Tropic Bird, Boatswain Bird
