Family: Sulidae, Boobies and Gannets view all from this family

Description 26-30" (66-77 cm). W. 36-40" (91-101 cm). Smallest of the sulids. Plumage highly variable. Three principal adult color phases; all have straight, pale blue bills, bright red feet, bare pink facial skin at base of bill. White-phase adults are all white with dark flight feathers, have a dark carpal patch on the underwing, and a variable golden-yellow wash; white-tailed form is all brown with white rump and tail; the white-headed brown form resembles white-tailed, but in addition the head and neck are white (Pacific only). Juveniles pale brown with drab yellowish-gray feet; blackish-brown bill; matures over 2-3 years.

Habitat Open oceans and subtropical islands (e.g., Dry Tortugas).

Nesting Nests colonially in tree cavities on tropical islands; one egg; engages in "sky pointing" display similar to other sulids, but given in trees; nesting dates vary with location and conditions; large egg and long incubation period; young develop slowly.

Range Breeds on tropical islands worldwide, including Caribbean, Galapagos, Indian Ocean; strays to Dry Tortugas off Florida, accidental off Gulf and California coasts.

Voice Usually silent at sea.

Discussion A pantropical species, the Red-footed's lifestyle is adapted to the relatively nutrient-poor waters in which it hunts for fish and squid; when feeding young, engages in long foraging flights, at times exceeding 90 miles (150 km); may follow ships for long distances; flies quickly and gracefully, plunge dives or snatches flying fish in mid-air; nocturnal habits discourage piracy by frigatebirds. Local populations may crash with the cyclical loss of food species, or with deforestation of tropical islands.