White-Tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus)

The white-tailed tropicbird is a captivating seabird, renowned for its long, elegant tail and pristine white plumage. It is the smallest and most graceful of its closely related species, and can be found throughout the tropical Atlantic, western Pacific, and Indian Oceans. In the Seychelles, these birds are a common sight, often observed soaring gracefully over the mainland. They breed prolifically on rat-free offshore islands like Cousine, as well as in tall trees and inland cliffs on the main islands where invasive mammals like rats are absent.

Breeding among white-tailed tropicbirds occurs year-round, with pairs demonstrating strong fidelity to both their mates and their chosen breeding sites. Slightly smaller than their red-tailed cousins, these birds typically measure around 75cm in length, with their most distinguishing feature being the long, slender tail streamers that contribute up to 36cm to their total length. Adults predominantly feed at night through surface plunging, returning to their nests in the morning to regurgitate food for their chicks.

Cousine Island hosts approximately 1000 breeding pairs of white-tailed tropicbirds annually, highlighting its importance as a breeding ground for this species in the region. The island's commitment to conservation and preservation efforts, including maintaining a rat-free environment, has been instrumental in supporting the breeding success of these beautiful seabirds. Through these efforts, Cousine Island continues to play a crucial role in the conservation of Seychelles' avian biodiversity, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at these graceful birds soaring above the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.