Blue-footed Booby
NameBlue-footed Booby
Common NameBlue-footed Booby
Scientific NameSula nebouxii
FamilySulidae
Wingspan (cm)142.5
Length (cm)80
Weight (g)1600
Plumage DetailsAdult Blue-footed Boobies have brownish upperparts with white underparts. Their head and neck are pale brown, streaked with darker brown, and they feature a distinctive dark mask around their eyes. The bill is dark grey and pointed, and their feet are famously bright blue.
Vocalization / CallMales typically produce high-pitched whistles, while females emit louder, coarser honks or grunts. Vocalizations are often used during courtship and territorial displays.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal marine, rocky islands, cliffs
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from the Gulf of California south along the coasts of Mexico, Central America, and South America to Peru. The largest breeding populations are concentrated in the Galápagos Islands.
Identifying Featuresbright blue feet, dark mask around eyes, pointed dark bill, brownish upperparts with white underparts, plunge-diving behavior
Description
The Blue-footed Booby is a distinctive seabird known for its bright blue feet, which play a role in courtship displays. These birds are agile plunge-divers, feeding primarily on fish by diving headfirst into the ocean from considerable heights.
