Blue-footed Booby
Image: rcotlear (cc-by-nc)
NameBlue-footed Booby
Common NameBlue-footed Booby
Scientific NameSula nebouxii
FamilySulidae
Wingspan (cm)152
Length (cm)81
Weight (g)1500
Plumage DetailsAdult Blue-footed Boobies have brown upperparts, a white belly, and a brown-streaked white head and neck. Their most striking feature is their vivid turquoise-blue webbed feet. They possess a long, pointed, and serrated bill.
Vocalization / CallMales typically produce a high-pitched whistle, while females emit a series of harsh honks or grunts, especially during breeding season at their colonies.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, rocky islands, open ocean
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Blue-footed Booby is found along the Pacific coast of Central and South America, ranging from Baja California south to Peru, with significant populations in the Galápagos Islands.
Identifying Featuresbright blue webbed feet, pointed, serrated bill, brown upperparts with white belly, streaked head and neck, plunge-diving feeding strategy
Description
The Blue-footed Booby is a distinctive seabird renowned for its bright blue webbed feet, which play a crucial role in courtship displays. These agile birds are expert plunge-divers, feeding primarily on fish by soaring high and then plummeting headfirst into the ocean.
