Blue footed boobies are memorable if not for their name (which comes from the Spanish word "bobo" meaning fool or clown, since blue footed boobies are clumsy on land) then for their blue feet which play a role in courtship - the bluer the better when it comes to attracting a mate!
Blue footed babies also exhibit some interesting parenting skills in the Galapagos. They nest on the ground and once the booby chick is hatched they leave it to fend for itself while they go off in search of food. Fortunately the blue footed booby has no predator so the booby chicks are safe - except for the flash of all the tourist's cameras, but the blue footed boobies don't seem to mind, some of them actually seem to appear to pose for the camera. Born stars!
Why Blue Footed Boobies Need Our Help
Fortunately blue footed boobies are considered a species of "least concern" by the IUCN. Their habitat is also protected and they have no predators so they are in better shape than many other species. However they do feed exclusively on fish so it is important to ensure the waters and marine life in the Galapagos are protected.
For more information on the Galapagos see: Travel to Galapagos, Galapagos at the Crossroads: Book Review, Fun Galapagos Giant Tortoise Facts and How We Can Save Them
Help Save Blue Footed Boobies
- Shop online at Galapagos Conservation Trust and show your support by purchasing a blue footed booby tie
- Join the Galapagos Conservancy cause on Facebook
- Go on a Galapagos Conservation Trust & Charles Darwin Foundation fundraising cruise to the Galapagos for a trip of a lifetime
- Adopt a blue footed booby
- Send a free e-card of a booby
Blue footed booby photo courtesy of: Wikimedia Commons
