White-tailed Tropicbird in flight, Kilauea Point, Kauai

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

White-tailed Tropicbirds are seen less commonly than Red-tailed Tropicbirds at Kilauea Point. White-tailed Tropicbird has a yellow bill and black bars on the upper wings whereas the Red-tailed Tropicbird has a red bill and completely white upper wings. This image was taken from off the end of the Point at around 11:30 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:
White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) / Internet Bird Collection
White-tailed Tropicbird / Bird Forum
BirdLife International / White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus
White-tailed tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) / ARKive
White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lectures dorotheae (Hawaiian name: Koa‘e ‘ula) / Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

Shooting Time 11:26
Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/2000
Av(Aperture Value) 8.0
Exposure Compensation -1/3
ISO Speed 500