Brown Booby look-alikes
Sula leucogaster
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Brown Booby. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
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Masked Booby
Sula dactylatra
Key differences
The Masked Booby is larger and has entirely white underparts, including the head and neck, with black flight feathers and a black tail. It has a distinctive black 'mask' around its yellow bill. Brown Booby has a dark brown head and upper breast.
Red-footed Booby
Sula sula
Key differences
The Red-footed Booby is smaller and has bright red feet (hence the name). It occurs in two main morphs: a white morph (all white with black primaries/secondaries) and a brown morph (entirely brown). The brown morph lacks the sharp white belly of the Brown Booby and has red feet. The bill is blue with a pinkish base.
Northern Gannet
Morus bassanus
Key differences
Northern Gannets are larger, primarily white with black wingtips and a yellowish head wash in adults. They are found in colder, temperate waters, whereas Brown Boobies are tropical. Juveniles are mottled brown but lack the distinct white belly of adult Brown Boobies.
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