Red-footed Booby
Sula sula
The Red-footed Booby is a rare visitor to British shores, typically seen in coastal areas during periods of warm weather or after being blown off course by strong winds. It is most likely to be spotted in the summer months, particularly in the southern and western regions of the country.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Red-footed Booby in the field.
The Red-footed Booby can be identified by its distinctive red feet, brownish-grey back, and white belly, as well as its sharp, pointed wings and long, pointed tail. Its grey and white plumage, combined with its red feet, make it a striking sight.
The Red-footed Booby is larger than a Herring Gull, with a similar size and build to a large seabird.
The male Red-footed Booby has a greyish-brown back and wings, with a white belly and a distinctive blue-grey bill, and its red feet are always present.
Similar to the male, the female Red-footed Booby also has a greyish-brown back and wings, with a white belly and red feet, although some females may have a slightly more mottled appearance.
The Red-footed Booby has a loud, nasal call, often described as a sharp "ka-kak" or "kek-kek" sound, which is typically used for communication and mating.
The Red-footed Booby is a powerful and agile flier, using the wind to its advantage, but it can be clumsy when taking off and landing, and it forages by catching flying fish in mid-air or making shallow dives into the ocean.
The Red-footed Booby can be confused with other booby species, such as the Blue-footed Booby, but can be distinguished by its red feet and greyish-brown back, whereas the Blue-footed Booby has blue feet and a more brownish back.
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