R.T. Tropicbird Behavior 2 Red-tails were observed in dense seaweed trying to get out. The male (smaller bird) led by about 4 feet. It proceeded through the seawater by hooking their heads over a branch with the bill pointed down, and pulled themselves through. Progress was made upward done in the following manner: Wings were half opened, feet were spread apart, and the bird leaped like a frog with its feet, stretch its bill in the sand and regaining position with its wings & feet. Both birds did this and after a series of leaps each tiredly shook the sand out of their bills and took a couple deep breaths of air