The Nazca booby is a large seabird of the booby family, Sulidae, native to the eastern Pacific. First described by Walter Rothschild in 1902, it was long considered a subspecies of the masked booby until recognised as distinct genetically and behaviorally in 2002. It has a typical sulid body shape, with a long pointed orange-yellow bill, long neck, aerodynamic body, long slender wings and pointed tail. The adult is bright white with black and white wings, a black tail and a dark face mask.
Region
Eastern Tropical Pacific
Typical Environment
Breeds primarily on the Galápagos Islands, with additional colonies on Malpelo (Colombia) and Clipperton Island, dispersing widely over adjacent tropical Pacific waters. Outside the breeding season, birds range pelagically over productive upwelling zones and offshore currents. Colonies are usually on open, sparsely vegetated coastal terraces or gentle slopes close to access to sea. At sea, they occur far from land over deep water. They rarely enter enclosed bays except when following prey schools.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Nazca boobies breed in large colonies on remote Pacific islands, especially the Galápagos. They often lay two eggs, but the older chick typically kills the younger (obligate siblicide), a strategy thought to ensure at least one survives in variable food conditions. Expert plunge-divers, they hit the ocean at high speed to seize flying fish and squid. Once treated as a masked booby subspecies, they are now recognized as distinct genetically and behaviorally.
Temperament
colonial and assertive near nest, relaxed and social at sea
Flight Pattern
strong flier; long, narrow-winged flap-glide with dynamic soaring over swells
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies on open ground, where pairs defend small territories around the nest scrape. Courtship features sky-pointing displays and presentation of small stones or sticks. Typically lays two eggs; siblicide by the older chick is common, leading to single-chick broods. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are mainly at colonies: males give high-pitched, whistling notes, while females produce lower honks or quacks. Calls intensify during courtship and territorial encounters and are otherwise quiet at sea.
Plumage
Adult mostly bright white with contrasting black flight feathers and tail; sleek, dense plumage adapted for plunge-diving.
Diet
Feeds chiefly on flying fish and squid, supplemented by other small pelagic fishes. Captures prey by high-speed plunge-diving from several meters to tens of meters above the surface, sometimes pursuing briefly underwater. Often forages near schools driven to the surface by predatory fish or dolphins. May be harassed by frigatebirds that attempt to steal captured prey.
Preferred Environment
Open ocean and offshore waters near productive upwellings and current fronts. Frequently forages along the edges of island shelves and in areas with visible prey activity. Rarely feeds close to shore except near colonies when prey is abundant.
