October 8, 2006
Located in the South Pacific, Aitutaki is one of the Cook Islands and home to several tropical species. The Heron Morph, Pacific Reef Heron, Brown Noddy, White Tern, Sandpiper and Great Frigatebird can all be found nesting on Aitutaki as well as other oceanic islands. The endangered Blue Lorikeet has also been spotted in the region. More common is the Red-tailed Tropicbird, or “Amokura,” which earned its name from its bright red tail streamers, which can reach a length of up to 12.8 inches (35 cm3. The Red-tailed Tropicbird has a predominantly white plumage, speckled with black feathers. With a streamlined, aerodynamic body this seabird can travel far across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, even reaching the New Zealand and Australian coastlines or the Islands of Hawaii. Throughout the breeding season, the Red-tailed Tropicbird can often be found nesting in the cliffs or on the ground of the Cook Islands. Their eggs are cream colored with brown specks.
