Species Data
Common Name
Blue footed booby
Scientific Name
Sula nebouxii
Spanish Name
Piquero patas azules
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Endemic/Native/Introduced
Native
Size
76-84cm length, 152-158cm wingspan
Average Lifespan
Up to 17 years
Predators
As chicks, owls and hawks are potential predators
Food
Piscivore (sardines, anchovies, mackerel and squid)
Animal Class
Bird
Species Overview
The blue footed booby is a unique bird species most noticeable because of its bright blue webbed feet. The name booby comes from the Spanish word ‘bobo’ meaning ‘fool’ due to the bird’s clumsiness on land. In the air however, these birds are strong and agile fliers and are often seen foraging in groups of up to 200. They are excellent hunters, spotting prey on the wing and plunging head first into the ocean from a height of up to 30 metres in order to catch it.
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