Soula Nebouxii
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Suliformes Family: Sulidae |
Morphology
Large waterbird found in the Eastern Central Pacific and inland lakes in Mexico and Texas. Mostly white with dark wings and mottled back and a dusky tail. Whitish head, with thin dark streaking. Long, pointed, grayish bill. Long pointed tail. Long pointed wing and a dark face. Feet are the distinguishing bright blue. The female Blue-footed Booby looks nearly identical to the male. The most obvious difference is that the pupils in her eyes are unusually large and somewhat star-shaped. |
Biology
The Blue-footed Booby makes no nest, but lays its eggs on bare ground. The incubating birds defecate while on the nest, and the eggs become surrounded by a circular wall of excrement. Strictly a carnivorous marine bird, all feeding is done at sea. It is estimated that there are currently 20,000 breeding pairs in Galapagos although research is indicating that reproductive success is closely linked to climate events such as 'El Nino' affecting sea surface temperatures and ocean productivity. Blue-footed Boobies are not endangered and categorized as LC. |
Facts
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Economic Importance
No real economic importance except for entertainment. Ecological Importance Feeds on fish keeping population under control |
Vocabulary
Mating- the pairing of opposite-sex or hermaphroditic organisms Siblicide- siblings fight each other for food Excretion- urine and feces Bigamy- while having a mate for life, also having other mates (cheating) Incubation- process of hatching eggs |