Red-footed Booby
Red-footed Booby
Sula sula
At a Glance
Found in tropical seas around the world, this long-winged seabird is only a very rare visitor to North America. Most records are from Florida, especially around the islands of the Dry Tortugas, but the species has also been found off the California coast.
All bird guide text and rangemaps adapted from Lives of North American Birds by Kenn Kaufman© 1996, used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Category
Boobies and Gannets, Gull-like Birds
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Habitat
Coasts and Shorelines, Open Ocean
Region
California, Florida, Texas
Behavior
Flap/Glide, Soaring
Population
1.400.000
Range & Identification
Description
26-30" (66-77 cm). W. 36-40 (91-101 cm). Smaller than other boobies. Adults occur in white and brown color morphs (brown birds often white-tailed). White morph suggests pattern of Masked Booby, but has white tail. Immatures are brown. Feet red (adults) or pink (immatures).
Size
About the size of a Heron, About the size of a Mallard or Herring Gull
Color
Black, Blue, Brown, Pink, Red, White
Wing Shape
Long, Narrow, Pointed, Swept, Tapered
Tail Shape
Pointed, Wedge-shaped
Songs and Calls
Usually silent at sea.
Call Pattern
Flat, Undulating
Call Type
Raucous
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