About Us
Our Safari Camp, roamed by wild giant tortoises and bordering the Galapagos National Park, is small by design and exclusive by definition. We design tailor-made safaris to meet incredible Galapagos wildlife.
Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus)
Elegant and striking, the Red-billed Tropicbird is one of the most spectacular birds seen across the Galapagos Islands. Its Latin name recalls the myth of Phaeton, son of the sun god Helios, who nearly set the world ablaze when he drove his father’s chariot too close to the sun.
Adult Tropicbirds have bright red bills, long white tails extending up to 50 centimetres, and black markings on their wings and back. Immature birds lack the long tail feathers and have a yellowish bill. Their very short legs make walking difficult, so they nest in cliffs and rocky cracks rather than on open ground.
Tropicbirds feed on small fish such as herring and mackerel, catching them by plunging into the sea from above. Courtship takes place in the air, with pairs performing impressive gliding displays, wings raised in a deep “V” as they call out with high-pitched “kree-kree-kree” cries.
Breeding occurs throughout the islands, varying according to food availability. On South Plaza, eggs are usually laid between August and February. A single egg is incubated by both parents for about 40 to 45 days, and chicks take 12 to 15 weeks to fledge.
Where To See Them
On our Safaris, they are often spotted on South Plaza and North Seymour.
