Tropicbirds
Order: Pelecaniformes. Family: Phaethontidae
Tropicbirds are medium-sized seabirds found primarily in tropical oceans; they typically come ashore only to breed. They are predominantly white, with elongated central tail feathers. When hunting for the flying fish (and occasional squid) they feed on, they hover above the water, then plunge dive in after their prey. There are three species worldwide, all of which have been recorded in Madagascar.
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Tropicbird | Phaethon lepturus | Visiting breeder, LC |
| Red-billed Tropicbird | Phaethon aethereus | Very rare vagrant, LC |
| Red-tailed Tropicbird | Phaethon rubricauda | Visiting breeder, LC |
Read more about this topic: List Of Birds Of Madagascar