Sula sula

Red-footed Booby

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Family: Sulidae · Class: Aves · Order: Suliformes

Sula sula (Red-footed Booby) is a California animal in the Sulidae family.

The Red-footed Booby is a large seabird measuring 66 to 77 cm (26 to 30 inches) in length with a wingspan of 137 to 152 cm (54 to 60 inches). Adults weigh between 480 to 1,200 grams (1.1 to 2.6 pounds). The species exhibits distinct plumage polymorphism with white, brown, and intermediate morphs. White morph adults display bright white plumage with black flight feathers and tail, while brown morphs are predominantly dark brown with lighter underparts. All adults possess distinctive bright red webbed feet and a blue-based bill with pink or yellow tips during breeding season. The Red-footed Booby has the most extensive range of all booby species, occurring in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. In the Pacific, the species breeds on islands from the Galápagos and Hawaiian chains westward to the Indian Ocean. In California waters, Red-footed Boobies are rare but regular visitors, primarily observed during late summer and fall months from August through November. Most California records occur along the southern coast, particularly around the Channel Islands and coastal areas from Point Conception to San Diego County. This species inhabits oceanic environments, preferring warm tropical waters typically above 25°C (77°F). Red-footed Boobies nest colonially in trees and shrubs on oceanic islands, selecting vegetation 1 to 20 meters above ground level. Unlike other booby species that nest on cliffs or ground, Red-footed Boobies require woody vegetation for nesting sites. They forage in pelagic waters, often traveling 50 to 150 kilometers from breeding colonies to feeding areas. Red-footed Boobies are highly specialized plunge-divers, feeding primarily on flying fish, squid, and small pelagic fish. They dive from heights of 3 to 10 meters, folding their wings just before impact to penetrate the water surface. The species exhibits strong site fidelity and typically breeds annually, though breeding cycles can extend beyond one year. Females lay a single white egg after a 44 to 46 day incubation period. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties, with fledging occurring after 95 to 105 days. The Red-footed Booby is classified as Least Concern globally by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with stable populations across most of its range. However, localized threats include habitat destruction on breeding islands, introduced predators such as rats and cats, and human disturbance at nesting colonies. Climate change poses emerging threats through ocean warming and altered prey distribution patterns. In California, the species remains uncommon but stable as a non-breeding visitor. Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding habitat on Pacific islands and managing invasive species that threaten nesting colonies.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.