Birdlife
Nazca booby
Jennifer encountered and photographed this adult Nazca booby with a chick on Genovesa Island in Galápagos National Park.
Species overview
The Nazca booby is a large, predominantly white seabird with black flight feathers and tail, gray feet, and an orange-to-pink bill. It nests on the ground.
Destinations where they may be seen
Nazca boobies breed at several Galápagos sites. Jennifer photographed an adult and chick on Genovesa Island.
Best viewing considerations
Use an authorized visitor route with a naturalist guide and give nesting adults and chicks extra room. Never step between a bird and its nest or chick.
Where Jennifer encountered them
Jennifer encountered and photographed this adult Nazca booby with a chick on Genovesa Island in Galápagos National Park.
Ethical viewing distance
Galápagos National Park instructs visitors to remain at least two meters from wildlife, including cameras. Nesting birds may need more room, as directed by the naturalist guide.
Operator or setting
Wild nesting-area encounter at an authorized Galápagos National Park visitor site on Genovesa Island.
Seasonal considerations
Galápagos Conservation Trust reports that Nazca boobies on Genovesa nest from August through November. Exact timing, nest activity, access, and visibility still vary by year and itinerary.
Photography guidance
Use zoom from the marked route, avoid flash, keep movements controlled, and never move toward, circle, or stand between an adult and chick.
Safety and biosecurity guidance
Follow the naturalist guide, leave the required buffer around the nest, and do not step off the trail or over vegetation to change the camera angle.
What is never guaranteed
A Nazca booby sighting, active nest, chick, behavior, proximity, and photograph are never guaranteed.
Conservation context
Nazca boobies are ground-nesting seabirds. Respecting the marked route and wildlife buffer helps prevent disturbance and accidental damage around nesting areas.
Captive-versus-wild disclosure
Captive-versus-wild disclosure: wild encounter.
Gallery, videos, and related reading
Gallery: The verified photograph for this encounter is shown on this page.
Videos: No related BVG video is currently linked to this record.
Related destination: Explore the Galápagos Islands
Related article: No related BVG article is currently published.