Large seabirds in the Sulidae family include the red-footed bооby (Sula sula). These birds are powerful, quick fliers with brilliant red feet and diverse plumage hues, although they can be awkward during takeoffs and landings. Colonially breeding on coastal islands, they are found across tropical climates. Despite a falling population, the red-footed bооby is a least-concern species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The red-footed bооby was called Pelecanus sula by Swedish biologist Carl Linnaeus in 1766. Mathurin Jacques Brisson introduced Sula in 1760. The Norwegian word “Sula” means “gannet.”

The red-footed bооby, the smallest bооby and gannet, is 70 cm (28 in) long with a wingspan of 152 cm. Adults weigh 837 grams (1.845 pounds). Red legs and a pink-and-blue bill and throat pouch distinguish them. The species has various color morphs:

Brownish juvenile red-footed bооbies have darker wings and pale pinkish legs, while chicks have dense white down.

Red-footed bооbies inhabit the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans’ tropical tropics. They live on Aldabra, Seychelles, Rodrigues, Chagos, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and Christmas Island. They disappeared from various islands due to introduced predators and human activity.

Red-footed bооbies build enormous colonies on tropical islands during breeding. They lay one pale blue egg in a stick nest in trees or bushes. The chick hatches at three months and begins lengthy flights at five months after both parents incubate the egg for 44-46 days. Many couples stay together for seasons and have elaborate greetings.

Fish, especially flying fish and escolars, and squid are their major diet. They catch prey by diving into the ocean from 4 to 8 meters (13 to 26 feet), sometimes snatching flying fish mid-air. Their diet changes with season and place.

With its broad food, complicated breeding activities, and global range, the red-footed bооby shows tropical seabirds’ versatility and persistence.