July 15, 2004
The blue-footed booby is a carnivorous species of bird, native to Central, South America and Ecuador with the greatest number found in the Galapagos Islands. Well known for a unique mating ritual, this species of bird displays their blue feet through a high-stepping strut. Birds with “bluer” feet are considered more attractive to potential mates. After the courting display, the males present their nesting materials to the females. The blue-footed booby lives up to 17 years in the wild and weighs around 3.25 lbs (1.5 kg) when fully grown. They feed by plunging into the ocean from heights as high as 100 feet (30.5 m). Although monogamous, the blue-footed booby is an opportunistic breeder, mating whenever ideal conditions are presented. Breeding cycles occur every eight to nine months, with females producing two to three eggs with several days in between. The incubation period is between 41 to 45 days and both parents are involved in raising the young.
