Masked Booby
NameMasked Booby
Common NameMasked Booby
Scientific NameSula dactylatra
FamilySulidae
Wingspan (cm)160
Length (cm)80
Weight (g)1600
Plumage DetailsAdults are entirely white except for black primary and secondary flight feathers, which form a black trailing edge to the wings and black wingtips. The tail is also black. They have a bright yellow bill and a black mask of bare skin around their eyes.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent at sea, but at breeding colonies, they produce a variety of harsh squawks, grunts, and whistles. Males typically have a high-pitched whistle, while females emit a deep honk or grunt.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread throughout tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide, breeding on remote oceanic islands across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Identifying FeaturesLarge white body with black flight feathers and tail, Bright yellow bill, Black mask around the eyes, Plunge-diving behavior
Description
The Masked Booby is a large, striking seabird known for its powerful plunge-diving technique to catch fish. It has a predominantly white body with contrasting black flight feathers and a distinctive black mask around its eyes.
