Breeding status of the Red-billed Tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus (Aves: Phaethontidae), on Jarnein Island, United Arab Emirates

Abstract The Red-billed Tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus breeds only on three islands in the United Arab Emirates. In March 2007, extensive searches and mapping of tropicbird nests were carried out on Jarnein Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE. A total of 217 nests was recorded of which 71% (155) were active with either chick or egg or adult bird present. Considering only those nests with birds or other signs (egg or chick) present, the 155 nests represent an almost 150% increase on previous estimates. Of the 217 nests, nearly 40% were with grown-up chicks while nearly 28% were with adult birds, either incubating or tending downy chicks. The three main hills and all small rocky outcrops with crevices are extremely important for tropicbird conservation on the island as these habitats account for more than 85% of the entire UAE breeding number. The tropicbird is a priority species for conservation in the UAE and protection of the biggest breeding site is essential for the long-term conservation of the species in the UAE.