Abbott's booby is an endangered seabird of the sulid family, which includes gannets and boobies. It is a large booby and is placed within its own monotypic genus. It was first identified from a specimen collected by William Louis Abbott, who discovered it on Assumption Island in 1892.
Region
Eastern Indian Ocean
Typical Environment
Breeding is confined to the plateau and terraces of Christmas Island, where birds nest in emergent rainforest trees. Outside the breeding colony, individuals forage widely over pelagic waters of the eastern Indian Ocean. They typically remain far offshore, following productive waters and fronts where prey is concentrated. Nesting areas are sensitive to wind exposure and canopy structure, which influence nest stability and chick survival.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 360 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Abbott's booby is a large, endangered seabird and the sole member of the genus Papasula. It breeds almost exclusively in the tall rainforest canopy of Christmas Island, Australia, and forages widely over the eastern Indian Ocean. Historic habitat clearing and altered wind turbulence over nesting areas have reduced breeding success. Adults are long-lived, form long-term pairs, and raise a single chick at a time.
On Christmas Island
In flight
Conservation work for the Abbott's Booby on Christmas Island. A drone is launched from the gaps within the canopies to explore for potential nesting sites. The birds can be detected through their predominantly white color against green foliage.
Yellow crazy ants
Temperament
solitary and territorial at nest sites
Flight Pattern
strong flier with long glides and plunge-diving stoops
Social Behavior
Breeds in loose, widely spaced colonies in tall trees, with pairs often reusing traditional nest sites. Forms long-term pair bonds and lays a single egg per breeding attempt. Chick rearing is prolonged, and successful pairs may not breed every year.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally silent at sea, but at colonies emits harsh croaks, grunts, and wheezy whistles. Vocalizations increase during courtship, territorial encounters, and chick feeding.
