Sula granti
The Nazca Booby (Sula granti) is a large, striking seabird of the Sulidae family, once considered a subspecies of the Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra). Adults are predominantly white with contrasting black flight feathers (primaries and secondaries) and a black tail, giving them a sharp, clean appearance. They possess a robust, conical, orange-yellow to pinkish-yellow bill, bright yellow eyes, and dark grayish legs and feet. Measuring 81-91 cm (32-36 in) in length with a wingspan of 137-165 cm ...
Primarily pelagic, inhabiting tropical and subtropical oceanic waters. They nest colonially on steep cliffs, rocky slopes, or flat ground of remote offshore islands and islets.
Their diet consists almost exclusively of small to medium-sized fish, primarily flying fish and sardines, supplemented occasionally with squid. They forage by spectacular plunge-diving from considerable heights into the ocean.
Nazca Boobies are expert plunge-divers, often soaring high above the ocean before plummeting headfirst into the water to catch fish. Their daily activity centers on foraging at sea, returning to colonies on land for breeding and roosting. They are highly territorial during the breeding season, de...
The Nazca Booby is largely confined to the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with its primary breeding grounds centered around the Galápagos Islands. Significant breeding colonies also exist on Clipperton Island, Malpelo Island, Cocos Island, and other scattered islands off the coasts of Mexico, Central Ame...
Least Concern
- Nazca Boobies are famous for 'obligate siblicide,' where the first-hatched chick always kills its younger sibling, even when food is plentiful. - They were only officially recognized as a distinct species (Sula granti) in 1998, having previously been considered a subspecies of the Masked Booby ...