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Blue-footed Booby Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    A large seabird with heavy, long, pointed bill, long, pointed wings, and relatively long tail.

    Relative Size

    Larger than a Great Black-backed Gull, smaller than a Northern Gannet.

    Relative Sizegoose or largergoose-sized or larger

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 31.9 in (81 cm)
      • Weight: 52.9-77.6 oz (1500-2200 g)
      • Wingspan: 62.2 in (158 cm)

Regional Differences

There are two subspecies: nebouxii is found over most of the species’ range, and the larger, paler excisa inhabits the Galápagos Islands.