Goul d, P. J. 
1963 
Tropicbirds 
1 
Aug ust 3”-ca. 2 mi. out Pearl Harbor (S and W) 
We have been seeing both species off and on all the time we have been at sea. 
The Red-tailed Tropicbird seems to be the most abundant. 
The White-tailed has a call that sounds like a high-pitched but throaty "kik" . 
The Red-tailed has a harsher and somewhat lower call somewhat like Tt keck n which 
is often given along with another shorter and lower note making a double 
call. I have not heard the White-tails giving a double call. 
Saw 2 adult Red- tails accompanied by a first year bird (lighter bill color, much 
blackish on wings, no long deck feathers). Evidently a family group since 
they stayed together. 
In the water the tropicbirds ride high with head held erect, almo starched over 
back, and tail held up so as no part touched the water. 
At 1207 saw a white-tail sitting in water on starboard side close to ship. As we 
approached it got up and flew away in direction of boat and landed again we caught 
up with it at 1218 on port side. 
Augu st 8- -Number 03^1 
Collected two red- tailed Tropicbirds. Ovary = 15 X 8 mm. longest ova 
1 l/2 X 1 l/2 mm. 
Number 1. Juv. ? almost through the first pre-basic molt (Post. Juv.) 
Soft part color: 
1. base of bill yellow, rest orange red with black marks through nostrils. 
2. Tarsus and lower l/k foot light blue, outer 3/4 foot including toenails 
black. 
Molt: 
1. Primaries: Left Right 
Number 1 
new 
new 
