Red-tailed Tropicbird hovering, Kilauea Point, Kauai

Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Kauai, Hawaiian Islands, USA (September 2015)

Red-tailed Tropicbirds are seen more commonly than White-tailed Tropicbirds at Kilauea Point. Red-tailed Tropicbird has a red bill and completely white upper wings whereas the White-tailed Tropicbird has a yellow bill and black bars on the upper wings. This image was taken from inside the Refuge at 11:00 am. The Refuge is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The entrance fee is $5. Outside of opening hours, the Point and the Lighthouse together with circling sea birds can be viewed from near the gate.

For more information on this bird species see the following links:
Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) / Internet Bird Collection
Red-tailed Tropicbird / Bird Forum
BirdLife International / Red-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda
Red-tailed tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) / ARKive
Red-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda (Hawaiian name: Koa‘e‘ula) / Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

Shooting Time 11:00
Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/2000
Av(Aperture Value) 8.0
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed 640