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Tropicbirds on Midway Atoll |
Two species of Tropicbirds breed on Midway. The more common is the
Red-tailed Tropicbird. The White-tailed Tropicbird breeds on Eastern Island and
the weekly refuge tour does not go near the area where they nest so we did not
see them on our trip.
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Tropicbirds nest on the ground close to the trunk of a tree.
This bird's nest was next to dead log and close to the path. Visitors are
required to stay on the many roads and paths so as not to collapse the burrows
of Bonin's Petrels and Wedgetailed Shearwaters. One bird was nesting under the
hedge outside the theatre. Others on the lawn under the trees across from the
galley. |
This Tropicbird chick was walking around under a tree.
Parents were not in sight, but the chick appears to be well fed. Rats
accidentally introduced have been exterminated on the island. There are no cats
or other mammalian predators. This chick is probably safe as long as it stays
out of the path of bicycles, golf carts, and of course airplanes.
Most
of the Red-tailed Tropicbirds seemed to be on nest during our April visit. In
the air over the lagoon, the tropicbirds performed their mating dance. One bird
was seen swimming on the lagoon. |
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