
Red-tailed Tropicbird
The red-tailed tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) is a seabird that nests across the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Species insights
Western Cape
Provinces where Red-tailed Tropicbird is most recorded. Tap one to find places to stay.
3 records, iNaturalist
Parks where hosts record the Red-tailed Tropicbird
Stays that give back
Across South Africa
Red-tailed Tropicbird recorded here
Red-tailed Tropicbird recorded here
Red-tailed Tropicbird recorded here
Red-tailed Tropicbird recorded here
Red-tailed Tropicbird recorded here
Red-tailed Tropicbird recorded here
Red-tailed Tropicbird recorded here
Red-tailed Tropicbird recorded here
Red-tailed Tropicbird recorded here
Red-tailed Tropicbird recorded here
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Dry mountains, ostriches, and Calitzdorp's port wines
See places that give backPlanning a trip
When and where to find the Red-tailed Tropicbird
Hosts have recorded the Red-tailed Tropicbird at stays in or beside Addo Elephant National Park, Table Mountain National Park and West Coast National Park.
Best hours of the day
- The first hours after sunrise, and late afternoon. Birds call and feed most in the cool.
- Midday. Quieter, especially in summer heat.
Where to base yourself
- Eastern CapeSelf-driveMalaria-freeStays in Eastern Cape
- Western CapeSelf-driveMalaria-freeStays in Western Cape
Ways to look
Drive yourself
Your own vehicle and pace, on the park's roads.
Where hosts record it
IUCN Red List
Least Concern
Species
Phaethon rubricauda
Records
3
iNaturalist observations
Every booking on Spekboom supports conservation.
Questions travellers ask
A record means a host has seen the Red-tailed Tropicbird on the property or nearby. It is never a guarantee of a sighting.
Which parks and reserves are best for the Red-tailed Tropicbird in South Africa?
Hosts on Spekboom have recorded the Red-tailed Tropicbird at stays in or beside Addo Elephant National Park, Table Mountain National Park and West Coast National Park. A record means a host has seen it on the property or nearby, which makes these the places to base yourself; it is never a guarantee of a sighting on any given day.
Where can you see the Red-tailed Tropicbird in South Africa?
The Red-tailed Tropicbird is most recorded in Western Cape (100% of records), based on 3 iNaturalist observations. 10 places to stay on Spekboom in South Africa have recorded the Red-tailed Tropicbird on site or nearby.
What is the conservation status of the Red-tailed Tropicbird?
The Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
What is the Red-tailed Tropicbird?
The red-tailed tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) is a seabird that nests across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It nests in colonies on oceanic islands. The species is also known by its Maori name, amokura.

























