Cocos Booby
NameCocos Booby
Common NameCocos Booby
Scientific NameSula sula websteri
FamilySulidae
Wingspan (cm)96
Length (cm)70
Weight (g)1100
Plumage DetailsAdults typically exhibit a dark morph with a brown head, neck, back, and wings, sharply contrasting with a white belly and rump. The bill is pale blue, and the feet are also pale blue. Juveniles are generally brown with a paler underside.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent when at sea, but produces a variety of grunts, whistles, and squawks at nesting colonies. Males often emit high-pitched whistles, while females tend to make harsher squawking sounds.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to Cocos Island, Costa Rica, located in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Identifying Featuresdark brown upperparts, white underparts, pale blue bill, pale blue feet, plunge-diving foraging behavior, colonial nesting
Description
The Cocos Booby is a medium-sized seabird, a subspecies of the Red-footed Booby, characterized by its dark brown upperparts and contrasting white belly. It is an agile flyer and a skilled plunge-diver, primarily feeding on fish and squid in the open ocean.
