Peruvian Booby (Sula variegata)

Identification & Behavior: ~73 cm (29 in). The adult Peruvian Booby has the head, neck, and underparts pure white. The upperparts are dark gray with white specks. Juveniles have a sooty gray head, neck, and back with white specks. The underparts are pale. Feet in all ages are gray. It is distinguished from the similar Blue-footed Booby by the pure white head and neck, dark gray upperparts with white specks, dark iris, and gray feet.

Status: The Peruvian Booby is largely restricted to the Humboldt Current. It is common along the coast of Peru where it breeds in large colonies on islands or on cliff faces overlooking the ocean. It also occurs in Ec, and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Piquero Peruano.

Sub-species: Peruvian Booby (Sula variegata) Tschudi, 1843.

Meaning of Name:  Sula: Is a Norwegian name for a gannet or booby. variegata: L. Of various colors.  A booby of various colors.

See more of the Family Sulidae