Gannets and Boobies
Sulidae
Family Distribution
This map shows the combined distribution of all species in the Sulidae family.
Colour intensity indicates the number of species present in each region:
- Darker colours = More species
- Lighter colours = Fewer species
Notable Species
Attribute Champions
The Blue-footed Booby demonstrates remarkable agility in its spectacular plunge-diving behaviour, folding its wings and diving at speeds up to 60 mph with pinpoint accuracy. Their ability to manoeuvre both in the air and underwater showcases their exceptional agility.
With a robust build and the ability to dive to depths of 15 metres, Northern Gannets possess considerable strength. Their large size (87-100 cm length, 2.3-3.6 kg weight) and powerful wings (165-180 cm wingspan) further indicate strong physical capabilities.
Blue-footed Boobies show good adaptability in their feeding habits, being opportunistic hunters capable of catching various fish species. Their ability to breed year-round, depending on local conditions, further demonstrates their adaptability. However, they are somewhat specialised in their coastal habitat preferences.
While not typically aggressive towards humans, Northern Gannets display territorial behaviour in their dense breeding colonies. Their elaborate greeting rituals, which include bill fencing, suggest a moderate level of intra-species aggression, particularly during the breeding season.
The Blue-footed Booby's endurance is evident in its ability to soar for extended periods, dive repeatedly for fish, and undertake long foraging trips at sea. Their capacity to dive to depths of up to 80 feet and their potential lifespan of 15-20 years in the wild also indicate strong endurance.
