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A Must-see Rarity: Red-footed Boobies in the Galapagos
In the Galapagos, if you haven’t seen red-footed boobies, you haven’t been here. These seabirds are amazing to see; they are related to their well-known blue-footed cousins. In addition to having unique traits that enable them to flourish in the archipelago, they are only found in two locations that are visited: our Northern Itinerary and Eastern Itinerary. Witness some of the islands’ rarest species to experience the authentic Galapagos. Learn more about these incredible birds and become one of the few who see them in their native environment.
What makes them so special?
The smallest member of the booby family, the red-footed booby of the Galapagos, makes up for its diminutive stature with strength and aquatic and aerial skills. These marine birds, defined as those that migrate great distances across the ocean, may hunt and look for food over a distance of up to 150 km (93 miles), and they can dive up to 30 meters (0.02 miles). Searching for food is one of the everyday tasks that red-footed boobies enjoy doing with each other. They can catch flying fish in midair because they are so handy. What talent!
They have long beaks, dancer-like bodies that are aerodynamic, and large wings that wrap around their body just before they take a deep dive into the water. These animals are professional divers. They can immediately grab fish by doing this, which they have already scanned with their excellent eye. They propel themselves around in the water using their webbed feet. Seeing them enter the water like actual Olympian divers is very exciting!
Waddle Walkers and Branch-Perchers
However, red-footed boobies appear pretty awkward when on land. They are ungainly and slow, transferring their weight in a manner akin to that of a penguin. Despite having waddle feet, these birds have another unusual characteristic in common: they perch on the limbs of indigenous animals. It is improbable for birds to have this kind of feet. However, they have developed a tolerance for perching on branches, just like other birds with separated digits would. They are frequently seen perching in bushes and trees.
Let the Mating Begin
These gregarious animals congregate in their colonies during mating season in search of a mate. You may believe that, depending on the season, you can only witness these birds’ mating dances once or twice a year, but remember that you live on the equator. Here, there are no seasons! When will red-footed boobies be available to watch? Year-round! The majority of seabirds in the Galapagos Islands are opportunistic breeders, which is a problem. This implies that they can mate at any time of year, depending on when they judge the right conditions for their eggs to hatch.
Every 15 months, female red-footed boobies can only lay one egg. Despite having a low reproductive rate, they have a lifespan of more than 20 years, which is longer than that of other birds. The equilibrium has been restored!
Discover uniqueness
Only Genovesa and San Cristobal Island’s northernmost coast are home to these birds. Like the albatross, another pelagic seabird, they are abundant around the periphery of the archipelago because their ability to search for food in the open sea makes them familiar. Make sure to include a visit to these stunning birds on your Galapagos Big15 list when organizing your Galapagos trip. We don’t have much time to mark everything off our must-see lists, but if you get to spot red-footed boobies, count yourself lucky. See originality and experience transformation!
