Birdlife
Red-footed booby
Jennifer encountered and photographed this red-footed booby on Genovesa Island in Galápagos National Park.
Species overview
The red-footed booby is a Galápagos seabird recognized by its red feet and blue bill. It occurs in multiple plumage forms and nests in trees and shrubs.
Destinations where they may be seen
Genovesa supports a large red-footed booby colony. Jennifer photographed this individual perched in vegetation on the island.
Best viewing considerations
Look along the authorized route without entering vegetation. Use zoom and give perched and nesting birds enough room to continue their normal behavior.
Where Jennifer encountered them
Jennifer encountered and photographed this red-footed booby 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. Perched or nesting birds may require more room under the naturalist guide's direction.
Operator or setting
Wild encounter at an authorized Galápagos National Park visitor site on Genovesa Island.
Seasonal considerations
Red-footed boobies are associated with Genovesa, but nesting activity, bird location, weather, visitor access, and visibility vary by date and authorized itinerary.
Photography guidance
Use zoom, avoid flash, stay on the marked route, and do not push through vegetation, touch branches, or position yourself beneath a nest for a photograph.
Safety and biosecurity guidance
Follow the naturalist guide, keep the required wildlife buffer, and watch for birds and nests near the trail without leaving the authorized route.
What is never guaranteed
A red-footed booby sighting, visible red feet, nesting activity, proximity, and photograph are never guaranteed.
Conservation context
Unlike the ground-nesting Nazca booby, red-footed boobies nest in trees and shrubs. Protecting vegetation and maintaining distance helps protect both birds and nests.
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.