This sea bird, with pigeon-like flight,
most commonly seen off the North Shore Islands, grows to
about 15-16”, or to include the delicate, elongated
tail, up to 32”. The French West Indian name is
Paille-en-queue (= Straw in tail).
The wingspan is about 3 feet and the bird weighs
about 1 lb. Notice a black stripe on the wings. Tropic Birds
dive from a height of from 50 - 100 feet for fish, squid and
they also feed on crabs. The nests may be found on bare rocks
and in holes on the edge of cliffs. One egg is laid, which is
pinkish and speckled. The young fly about 62 days after
hatching. Though graceful in flight they shove themselves on the
breast along the ground as the legs are so far back. Adults
utter a cry of “Kareek, keek, kark”. The Red-billed Tropic Bird
may also be seen. It has narrow black bars across the back and a
part of the wings.
