keyword pages:  1  2  >  
< 1 of 15 >
A White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus dorotheae; "Koa‘e kea" in Hawaiian) soars along the steep-walled canyon feeding into the bay adjacent to Kilauea Point, north Kaua'i. Adult birds have mostly white plumage with long, white tail streamers (33-40 cm). Tail feathers are visible while the bird is in flight as compared to the koa‘e ‘ula. Black eye-stripe from gape curving toward and passing through eye. Diagonal black stripe across upper wings. Yellowish to orange bill. Legs/feet are yellowish with black webs. Length: 38-40 cm (15-16 in), 71-81 cm (28-32 in) including tail streamers; wingspan: 89-94 cm (35-38 in); average life span: 16 years. Typically solitary feeders though sometimes seen in pairs. With folded wings, koa‘e kea hit the water and completely submerge to seize and swallow prey before flight. Prey consists of fish and squid.
Waves slamming into a cliff face, Kilauea National Wildlife Preserve, north Kaua'i.
Waves slamming into a cliff face, Kilauea National Wildlife Preserve, north Kaua'i.
The beginnings of a sea cave cut into a cliff face, Kilauea National Wildlife Preserve, north Kaua'i.
The beginnings of a sea cave cut into a cliff face, Kilauea National Wildlife Preserve, north Kaua'i.
The now-defunct light house at the Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge, northern Kaua'i.
A close-up of the giant Fresnel lens of the now-defunct light house at the Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge, northern Kaua'i.
The giant Fresnel lens of the now-defunct light house at the Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge, northern Kaua'i.
Wave-battered headland at Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge, northern Kaua'i.
A White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus dorotheae; "Koa‘e kea" in Hawaiian) soars along the steep-walled canyon feeding into the bay adjacent to Kilauea Point, north Kaua'i. Adult birds have mostly white plumage with long, white tail streamers (33-40 cm). Tail feathers are visible while the bird is in flight as compared to the koa‘e ‘ula. Black eye-stripe from gape curving toward and passing through eye. Diagonal black stripe across upper wings. Yellowish to orange bill. Legs/feet are yellowish with black webs. Length: 38-40 cm (15-16 in), 71-81 cm (28-32 in) including tail streamers; wingspan: 89-94 cm (35-38 in); average life span: 16 years. Typically solitary feeders though sometimes seen in pairs. With folded wings, koa‘e kea hit the water and completely submerge to seize and swallow prey before flight. Prey consists of fish and squid.
A White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus dorotheae; "Koa‘e kea" in Hawaiian) soars along the steep-walled canyon feeding into the bay adjacent to Kilauea Point, north Kaua'i. Adult birds have mostly white plumage with long, white tail streamers (33-40 cm). Tail feathers are visible while the bird is in flight as compared to the koa‘e ‘ula. Black eye-stripe from gape curving toward and passing through eye. Diagonal black stripe across upper wings. Yellowish to orange bill. Legs/feet are yellowish with black webs. Length: 38-40 cm (15-16 in), 71-81 cm (28-32 in) including tail streamers; wingspan: 89-94 cm (35-38 in); average life span: 16 years. Typically solitary feeders though sometimes seen in pairs. With folded wings, koa‘e kea hit the water and completely submerge to seize and swallow prey before flight. Prey consists of fish and squid.
A White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus dorotheae; "Koa‘e kea" in Hawaiian) soars along the steep-walled canyon feeding into the bay adjacent to Kilauea Point, north Kaua'i. Adult birds have mostly white plumage with long, white tail streamers (33-40 cm). Tail feathers are visible while the bird is in flight as compared to the koa‘e ‘ula. Black eye-stripe from gape curving toward and passing through eye. Diagonal black stripe across upper wings. Yellowish to orange bill. Legs/feet are yellowish with black webs. Length: 38-40 cm (15-16 in), 71-81 cm (28-32 in) including tail streamers; wingspan: 89-94 cm (35-38 in); average life span: 16 years. Typically solitary feeders though sometimes seen in pairs. With folded wings, koa‘e kea hit the water and completely submerge to seize and swallow prey before flight. Prey consists of fish and squid.
See photo in original gallery.
keyword pages:  1  2  >  
< 1 of 15 >