Masked booby

The masked booby, also known as the masked gannet or blue-faced booby, is a striking seabird from the Sulidae family, which includes other boobies and gannets. First described by French naturalist René-Primevère Lesson in 1831, this bird is one of six booby species in the genus *Sula*. With its white body, black wings and tail, and distinctive dark facial mask, the masked booby is unmistakable. It is also the largest of the boobies, measuring between 75 and 85 cm in length. Masked boobies inhabit tropical oceans, except in the eastern Atlantic and eastern Pacific where the Nazca booby occurs.

Masked boobies prefer to nest on remote islands and atolls near deep waters. Observing their nesting colonies offers fascinating insights, particularly during their territorial displays and courtship rituals. Typically, the female lays two eggs, but usually only one chick survives—often due to sibling rivalry, where the elder chick eliminates the younger. These birds are expert divers, plunging into the water to catch flying fish.

Despite declining populations, masked boobies are currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Over the years, this species has undergone several name changes and is recognized in various subspecies. Its closest relative, the Nazca booby, shared a common ancestor about 0.8 to 1.1 million years ago. Depending on the region, masked boobies can vary in size, with distinct subspecies noted.

Famous for their diving prowess, masked boobies can reach depths of up to 3 meters to catch fish. However, they face several threats, including predators such as gulls, ticks, and feral cats, as well as human activities like hunting and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their nesting colonies and address issues such as climate change and overfishing, which impact their food supply.