Blue-footed Booby
Sula nebouxii
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Suliformes · Sulidae
About
The blue-footed booby is a marine bird native to subtropical and tropical regions of the eastern Pacific Ocean. It is one of six species of the genus Sula – known as boobies. It is easily recognizable by its distinctive bright blue feet, which is a sexually selected trait and a product of their diet. Males display their feet in an elaborate mating ritual by lifting them up and down while strutting before the female. Females are slightly larger than males and can measure up to 90 cm (35 in) long with a wingspan up to 1.5 m (5 ft).
Fun Fact
Blue-footed boobies use their vivid blue feet in courtship — males lift and show their feet in an exaggerated high-stepping dance, and females prefer males with the brightest blue feet, which signal good health.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical coasts
Diet
Piscivore
Lifespan
15-20 years
Threats
- Disease
- Habitat Loss