Introduction
Boobies and gannets, part of the Sulidae family, are iconic seabirds celebrated for their unique features and impressive hunting techniques. Boobies like the Masked Booby boast elongated bodies and pointed bills, thriving in offshore tropical waters while rarely venturing near land. Similarly, gannets exhibit sociable behaviors and expert plunge-diving skills, often spotted near shorelines and engaged in frenetic feeding activities. These birds, with their distinct appearances and behaviors, enrich the diversity of marine avifauna. Recorded sightings span across regions such as Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lomaiviti, Lau, and Rotuma, underscoring their broad presence in oceanic ecosystems.
Fun Fact 1: Spectacular Plunge Diving
Boobies and Gannets are known for their spectacular plunge diving skills. When hunting for fish, they can dive from heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters) into the water at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour)! It’s like watching a feathered torpedo in action!
| Masked Booby | Brown Booby | Red-footed Booby |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
Masked Booby
The Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra) boasts the quintessential body structure of the Sulidae family, characterized by a lengthy, pointed bill, streamlined physique, and elongated wings and tail. With its striking contrast of bright white plumage and black wings, tail, and facial mask, it stands out as the largest booby species, measuring 75-85 cm (30-33 in) in length.
Found primarily in offshore tropical waters worldwide, it nests on islands and rarely ventures near the mainland. Immature individuals sport a brownish hue on their head, neck, and upperparts, distinguished by a pale yellowish bill and predominantly white underwings. Often seen alongside other seabird species during feeding frenzies, the Masked Booby adds to the vibrant diversity of marine avifauna.
Common Name: Masked Booby
Scientific Name: Sula Dactylatra
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma
Image Supplied: Forest & Kim Starr. (2008)
Brown Booby
The brown booby (Sula leucogaster) is a widespread seabird known for its sociable behavior and adept plunge-diving for prey. It nests exclusively on the ground and prefers roosting on solid objects. Sporting a uniform brown plumage, with exceptions in certain populations, it displays a distinct white belly in adults. Found in tropical waters globally, it is often seen near beaches and engages in plunge-diving from shallow angles.
Common Name: Brown Booby
Scientific Name: Sula Leucogaster
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma
Image Supplied: Duncan Wright, USFWS. (2006).
Red-footed Booby
The red-footed booby (Sula sula) is a large seabird of the Sulidae family, known for its distinctive red feet. This species primarily inhabits offshore tropical waters and is rarely sighted from the mainland. Adults exhibit varying plumage, featuring bright red feet and a colorful bill and face. Plumage ranges from entirely brown to white with a black trailing edge on the wings, while immature individuals are uniformly brown with subtle pinkish feet. Unlike other booby species, the red-footed booby appears smaller and more slender, with wings that have a distinct crooked shape. It nests predominantly on offshore islands, favoring trees and bushes for nesting sites over ground nests.
Common Name: Red-footed Booby
Scientific Name: Sula Sula
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma
Image Supplied: Gregg Yan. (2012).
NatureFiji-MareqetiViti is Fiji’s only domestic NGO working solely for the conservation and sustainable management of Fiji’s unique natural heritage – Link
That’s all, folks! No extra info to dig into this time!
Just a quick note—no footnotes to add this time!
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- Yan, Gregg. May 8, 2012. “Red-footed Booby.” Photograph. Wikipedia. Accessed June 25, 2024. Link
- Del Hoyo, J. (2013). Masked Booby Sula dactylatra. Video. Macaulay Library. [Online] Available at: Link [Accessed 10 June 2024].
- Dr. Dilip K G. (2021). Masked Booby Sula dactylatra. Audio. Macaulay Library. [Online] Available at: Link [Accessed 10 June 2024].
- Kirby, T. (2021). Brown Booby Sula leucogaster. Video. Macaulay Library. [Online] Available at: Link [Accessed 10 June 2024].
- Palacios, A. (2021). Brown Booby Sula leucogaster. Audio. Macaulay Library. [Online] Available at: Link [Accessed 10 June 2024].
- Shallenberger, R. (1974). Red-footed Booby Sula sula. Audio. Macaulay Library. [Online] Available at: Link [Accessed 10 June 2024].
- Starr, Forest & Kim. June 6, 2008. “Masked Booby.” Photograph. Wikipedia. Accessed June 25, 2024. Link
- Trepte, Andreas. 2017. “Brown Booby in Flight.” Photograph. August 17. Wikipedia. Accessed June 24, 2024. Link
- Wright, Duncan. July 2, 2006. “Brown Booby.” Photograph. Wikipedia. Accessed June 25, 2024. Link