About Tropicbirds

Overview

Phaethontiformes are the tropicbirds, a family (Phaethontidae) of three spectacular white seabirds with extremely long central tail streamers, breeding on tropical islands worldwide. They plunge-dive for fish and squid and are supremely aerial. Tropicbirds are among the most elegant of all seabirds and are readily recognised by their streamer tails.

Classification

The order Tropicbirds (Latin: PHAETHONTIFORMES) comprises 1 families and roughly 3 living species. It is one of 44 orders that make up the class Aves.

Diversity & Distribution

Phaethontiformes are the tropicbirds, a family (Phaethontidae) of three spectacular white seabirds with extremely long central tail streamers, breeding on tropical islands worldwide.

Notable Families

Tropicbirds and others.