Red-billed tropicbird

Phaethon aethereus

On landLeast concern

The red-billed tropicbird is a white seabird with a red bill and long, streaming white tail feathers. It nests on sea cliffs and islets throughout the Galápagos and plunge-dives for fish and squid. It is the most widespread of the three tropicbird species worldwide.

Best time to see it

Nests in cliff crevices and islets across the archipelago; breeding is spread through the year rather than one narrow peak.

Where to see it

Punta Suárez
Española · Occasional sighting
Punta Vicente Roca
Isabela · Occasional sighting
South Plaza
South Plaza · Occasional sighting

Cruises to see this species

B SOUTHVisits 6 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"E" itineraryVisits 5 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
8 days (A)Visits 5 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
Born of FireVisits 5 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"A" itineraryVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"B" itineraryVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
5 days (A)Visits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
8 Days (C)Visits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
B5 SOUTHVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinenary BVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary 4CVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
"D" itineraryVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
"F" itineraryVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
A - North Expedition 4 days - 3 nightsVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
C - East Expedition 4 days - 3 nightsVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinenary BVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary 4CM/V: Española & Floreana ExpeditionVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
B - West Expedition 5 days - 4 nightsVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
B - West Expedition 5 days - 4 nightsVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
B4 SOUTHVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
D - South Expedition 5 days - 4 nightsVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
D - South Expedition 5 days - 4 nightsVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary AVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
7-day expedition · Galápagos
Diving ItineraryVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos