Blue-footed boobies are a iconic species of seabird found throughout the Galapagos Islands. With their bright blue feet and distinctive mating dances, they have become one of the most beloved birds in the Galapagos. If you are visiting the Galapagos and hoping to catch a glimpse of these beautiful birds, here is everything you need to know about where to find blue-footed boobies in the Galapagos Islands.
What are blue-footed boobies?
Blue-footed boobies (Sula nebouxii) are large seabirds in the Sulidae family. They are closely related to the masked booby and the red-footed booby. As their name suggests, male and female blue-footed boobies both have bright turquoise-blue feet. Their plumage is mostly white, with black flight feathers on their wings. Blue-footed boobies have long pointed blue-gray bills and eyes that can range from yellow to pale green.
These seabirds measure 70–90 cm (28–35 in) from beak to tail and weigh 1–1.5 kg (2.2–3.3 lb). Their wingspan is around 1.5 m (4.9 ft). Blue-footed boobies are native to tropical and subtropical waters along the Pacific coasts of Central and South America. Their range extends from the Gulf of California down to Peru. The Galapagos Islands are right in the middle of their range, making it a prime location to see these iconic birds.
Blue-footed boobies are famous for their elaborate mating “dances” and bright blue feet. During courtship displays, male boobies lift their bright turquoise feet high in the air, then skitter and prance around the female. Their vibrant feet and ritualistic dances are thought to attract mates. The color of their feet may also indicate health, age, and fitness to potential mates.
Where to find blue-footed boobies in the Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are home to large populations of nesting blue-footed boobies. Here are some of the best places to spot blue-footed boobies in their natural habitat while visiting the Galapagos:
North Seymour Island
North Seymour Island is located just north of Baltra Island, near the center of the archipelago. The island is dominated by low, forested areas near the coast, with some higher cliffs and ridges in the interior. North Seymour hosts one of the largest booby colonies in the Galapagos, with several thousand pairs nesting on the island. The blue-footed booby colony can be found nesting in trees and low bushes along the coastline trails.
Española Island
Española Island, located on the southern end of the archipelago, is another prime spot for seeing blue-footed boobies. Numerous booby colonies are found nesting along the coast and on the cliffs of Española. Some key areas to look are along the trail at Punta Suarez and at Gardner Bay beach along the eastern coast.
San Cristóbal Island
The eastern island of San Cristóbal is home to a large colony of blue-footed boobies near the interpretation center at Punta Pitt. A steep clifftop trail leads to an overlook with spectacular views of several hundred booby nests on the cliffs and rocky outcrops below. The mating dances can also be witnessed here during breeding season.
Santa Cruz Island
On Santa Cruz Island, blue-footed boobies can often be seen along the Itabaca Channel, the water passage that separates Santa Cruz from Baltra. Here the boobies nest in the mangroves along the shoreline. Another spot to possibly see them is at the Cerro Dragón ridge overlooking Dragon Hill on northern Santa Cruz.
Floreana Island
Floreana Island hosts a large colony of blue-footed boobies nesting along the northern shoreline at Punta Cormorant. An easy trail leads along the cliffs to provide overlooks of the booby colony on the rocky outcrops by the water’s edge.
Isabela Island
On the largest Galapagos island of Isabela, blue-footed boobies can often be seen along the coastal shores, cliffs, and offshore rocks, especially along the western shoreline. Sites like Tagus Cove, Elizabeth Bay, and the cliffs of Vicente Roca Point offer opportunities for spotting them.
Other islands
Smaller blue-footed booby colonies and individual nesting pairs can also be found scattered among many of the other islands in the Galapagos, including Plaza Sur, Santa Fé, Pinzón, Genovesa, Marchena, Pinta, Santiago, Bartolomé, Baltra, Rábida, and more.
Best time to see blue-footed boobies in Galapagos
The breeding season is the best time of year to witness blue-footed boobies exhibiting mating behaviors in the Galapagos. During courtship rituals, you can observe their elaborate mating “dances” and calls up close.
The breeding season varies slightly among island colonies but generally runs from December through February. Some courtship and mating behaviors may still be observed into early March. Outside of breeding season, blue-footed boobies are less showy but can still be spotted nesting, roosting, and soaring around the islands year-round.
December – February
Peak breeding season. Most active courtship displays.
March – May
Nesting season. Adults incubating eggs and caring for hatchlings.
June – November
Non-breeding season. Less conspicuous at nests but still present on islands.
Blue-footed booby viewing tips
To get the most out of your blue-footed booby viewing in the Galapagos, here are some useful tips:
- Hike slowly and quietly on trails leading to booby nesting sites. Sudden movements or noises can disturb nesting birds.
- Bring binoculars for better viewing of blue feet and behaviors.
- Visit during mid-morning hours when boobies are most active at nests.
- Watch for courtship dances and displays during breeding season.
- Photograph boobies’ blue feet when they are lifted in displays.
- Follow rules and stay on marked trails at all times to minimize impact.
- Keep a respectful distance from nests and chicks when observing.
Unique traits and behaviors
Here are some of the most fascinating traits and behaviors of blue-footed boobies to watch for in the Galapagos:
- Bright blue feet – Males display feet to attract mates and defend territories.
- Elaborate mating dances – Males lift feet, whistle, point bills up.
- Sky-pointing – Point bills straight up toward sky for prolonged periods.
- Diving for fish – Plunge-dive from heights of 30-100 ft into ocean.
- Surfing flight – Skim waves near surface while flapping wings.
- Gular fluttering – Flutter throat pouch to thermoregulate.
- Nest relief ceremony – Mate exchange nest duties with elaborate greeting ritual.
- Nest fights – Disputes between neighboring boobies over nesting space.
Conservation status
The blue-footed booby is classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Their population is estimated at around 200,000 mature individuals with the majority of breeding pairs residing in the Galapagos Islands. While not currently threatened, blue-footed boobies face potential risks including:
- Habitat disturbance from tourism and development
- Predation by invasive species
- Reduced prey fish populations from overfishing
- Climate change impacts
- Marine pollution
- Incidental bycatch in fisheries
Ongoing conservation initiatives in the Galapagos Islands aim to protect vital nesting and feeding habitat for blue-footed boobies through sustainable management and regulated access to sensitive wildlife areas. Following park rules and maintaining a respectful distance from wildlife can help support conservation efforts for blue-footed boobies when visiting the Galapagos.
Conclusion
With their bright blue feet on full display, the blue-footed booby is one of the Galapagos Islands’ most iconic avian residents. By visiting North Seymour, Española, San Cristóbal, and other islands during breeding season, you stand an excellent chance of spotting these charismatic seabirds in their island habitat. Watching their elaborate courtship dances and displays is a highlight for many Galapagos travelers. As long as we continue supporting conservation initiatives that protect their populations and fragile island ecosystems, future generations of travelers will be able to enjoy encounters with blue-footed boobies across the Galapagos archipelago.