Blue-footed Booby
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/37035967@N07">Ndecam</a> from London, UK (CC BY 2.0)
NameBlue-footed Booby
Common NameBlue-footed Booby
Scientific NameSula nebouxii
FamilySulidae
Wingspan (cm)152
Length (cm)81
Weight (g)1500
Plumage DetailsThe plumage consists of white underparts and neck, a brown back and wings, and a streaky brown and white head. The most prominent feature is their vibrant blue webbed feet, which are used in courtship displays.
Vocalization / CallMales typically produce high-pitched whistles, while females emit louder, honking or squawking calls.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal areas, rocky islands, open ocean
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound along the Pacific coasts of Central and South America, ranging from Baja California south to Peru, with the largest breeding populations concentrated in the Galápagos Islands.
Identifying Featuresbright blue webbed feet, streaky brown and white head, dark grey bill, white belly, brown back and wings
Description
The Blue-footed Booby is a medium-sized seabird easily recognized by its distinctive bright blue webbed feet. These agile divers plunge headfirst into the ocean to catch fish, often nesting in colonies on coastal cliffs and islands.
