Abbott's Booby
NameAbbott's Booby
Common NameAbbott's Booby
Scientific NamePapasula abbotti
FamilySulidae
Wingspan (cm)150
Length (cm)79
Weight (g)1450
Plumage DetailsAdults have a white head, neck, and body. The upperwings are mostly dark, with black flight feathers and a white leading edge. The underwings show a distinctive black 'M' pattern formed by the dark flight feathers and coverts. The tail is dark, and the bill is pinkish with a dark tip, surrounded by a dark eye patch.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include various harsh squawks, grunts, and whistles, particularly around nesting colonies. They are generally quieter when at sea.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, forest
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeAbbott's Booby breeds exclusively on Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean. Outside the breeding season, it forages widely over the eastern Indian Ocean.
Identifying FeaturesMostly white body with black flight feathers, Distinctive black 'M' pattern on underwing in flight, Pinkish bill with dark tip, Dark eye patch, Large size
Description
Abbott's Booby is a large, distinctive seabird known for its predominantly white plumage with contrasting black flight feathers. It is a pelagic species that feeds by plunge-diving for fish and squid, nesting exclusively in tall trees on Christmas Island.
