Pago Pago Newspaper

Pago Pago Newspaper

Pago Pago Newspaper

Boobies

A member of the Gannet family, boobies are about the size of a small goose. They have long necks and make hooting and whistling noises. There are three species of boobies in the Galápagos Islands: the blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca boobies. Blue-footed Boobies are known for (naturally) their bright blue feet: they nest right in the middle of walking trails and are seen almost anywhere. You can even see them dive for fish if you are lucky! Red-footed Boobies nest in low trees on certain islands. Nazca Boobies are white with a black “mask.” They are closely related to Masked Boobies, which they greatly resemble. They nest on cliffs and rocks.

Frigatebirds

There are two species of frigatebirds in the Islands, the Great Frigatebird and the Magnificent Frigatebird. They are difficult to tell apart, as both are large, black birds with hooked beaks. Your naturalist guide will be able to tell them apart, however: Great Frigatebirds are slightly smaller and have a slightly greenish sheen to their feathers. Both species of frigates are known for the red chest sac that the males inflate during the mating season to impress potential mates.