Sula nebouxii
Least Concern
Known for their striking blue feet, the Blue-footed Booby is a charismatic seabird that calls the tropical eastern Pacific home. These distinctive birds, often found in large colonies, dive from the air into the sea to catch their fish and squid prey, providing a spectacular sight for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Males and females have similar plumage
Brown
Grey
White, Blue
White, Black
Brown
Grey
Long
Grey
Black
Blue
Grey
Blue feet, white belly
Less pronounced than adults
Long and pointed
Less pointed
70cm to 90cm
Length
150cm to 160cm
Wingspan
1.5kg to 2.2kg
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Pair of Blue-footed Boobies performing a mating dance
Pair of Blue-footed Boobies with chick
Blue-footed Booby standing on rocks
Blue-footed Booby in natural habitat
Blue-footed Booby in-flight
Distinctive whistle
Series of whistles and squawks
Loud, harsh squawk
Forages for food during the day
Colonial, often found in large groups
Males display to defend territories
Non-migratory, but can travel long distances for food
Interacts with other members of its species in colonies
Fish, Squid
Dives from the air into the water to catch prey
Throughout the day
Plunge diving
Depends on availability of prey
None known
Bare ground on islands
Scrape in the ground
Varies depending on location
One
Pale blue eggs, weighing around 80g
Approximately 5cm x 7cm
1-3 eggs
Around 41-45 days
Approximately 3 months
Both parents incubate eggs and feed chicks
Tropical eastern Pacific, from Gulf of California to Peru
Coastal and marine environments
Sea level
Non-migratory, but can travel long distances for food
Marine, Coastal
Tropical
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Distribution notes
Vagrant in USA and Chile
Resident or Present
15
20
17 year(s)
2-3 year(s)
3-4 year(s)
Monogamous, often returning to same breeding site each year
Changes in coloration of feet and beak
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
Overfishing, habitat destruction, climate change
Protected areas, monitoring of populations
Population decreasing due to overfishing and climate change
Other names:
Blue-footed Gannet
Family:
SulidaePopulation size:
90,000
Population trend:
Decreasing
Conservation status:
Least Concern
IUCN Red List
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