Booby

The term "booby" refers to a group of seabirds belonging to the family Sulidae. Boobies are known for their distinctive appearance, including long wings, pointed bills, and striking blue or gray feet.

There are several species of boobies, but the most well-known are the Blue-footed Booby, the Red-footed Booby, the Brown Booby and the Nazca Booby. 

The blue-footed booby has bright blue feet, which they use in courtship displays. Their plumage is mostly brown and white.

Blue Footed Booby, Galapagos islands By Benjamint444 

The red-footed booby has distinctive red feet, and their plumage can range from white to brown with varying shades.

Nazca boobies are mostly white with a black face mask and bill.

Brown boobies, which weigh up to 4lb and have a wingspan of up to 5ft, breed on tropical islands and coasts in both the Atlantic and Pacific.

Boobies are found in various oceans and tropical regions around the world. Different species inhabit different areas, such as the Blue-footed Booby in the eastern Pacific Ocean and the Red-footed Booby in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

They are among the most skilled divers among seabirds. Boobies can dive from considerable heights, often reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour) as they enter the water.

Boobies have excellent eyesight, which helps them spot schools of fish from the air while flying high above the ocean. Once they've located their prey, they can accurately target their dives.

They are capable of holding their breath for extended periods, which allows them to chase fish at various depths. Some booby species can dive to depths of up to 80 feet (24 meters) or more.

Boobies typically nest in colonies on remote islands and cliffs. They lay one to three eggs, depending on the species, and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.

During the breeding season, boobies engage in elaborate courtship displays, which often involve dancing and showing off their colorful feet.

Boobies can have relatively long lifespans for seabirds, with some individuals living up to 20 or more years.

While many booby species are not currently considered endangered, they can be vulnerable to habitat disturbance and environmental changes. Conservation efforts are in place to protect their nesting sites and habitats.

Boobies were given their name by early mariners who thought they were unintelligent because their lack of fear meant they were easy to kill.

Polynesian navigators relied on them to find land because they often circled their canoes before heading straight for the coast.

Source Daily Mail