White-tailed Tropicbird

Photographed by: Chuen

Large white birds with a long tail, look out at sea and you may see one flying around while you’re on Cousin Island. They are brilliant at flying out at sea but are incredibly clumsy when it comes to short flights. 

The best part about them is the way they greet each other when one returns back from sea, the affection; hugs and kisses is really a delight to watch. 

 

Their chicks are extremely cute, like a tiny ball of fur. 

Photographed by: Chuen

 

Take a look as the white-tailed tropicbird in flight: https://youtu.be/3-qDa9IVeB0

Listen to how they sound: https://xeno-canto.org/species/Phaethon-lepturus