Blue-footed Booby look-alikes
Sula nebouxii
Spotted a bird? Identify it instantly with the Birdby app
Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Blue-footed Booby. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Peruvian Booby
Sula variegata
Key differences
The Peruvian Booby has a darker, more mottled brown head and neck, lacking the white streaking of the Blue-footed Booby. Its feet are grayish-blue, not the vibrant blue of S. nebouxii. It also has a more restricted range, primarily along the coast of Peru and northern Chile.
Masked Booby
Sula dactylatra
Key differences
The Masked Booby is larger and almost entirely white, with black flight feathers and tail. It has a distinctive black 'mask' around its yellow bill and dark gray feet. Its plumage is much whiter than the Blue-footed Booby.
Nazca Booby
Sula granti
Key differences
Formerly considered a subspecies of the Masked Booby, the Nazca Booby is also predominantly white with black flight feathers. It has a pinkish-orange bill and dark gray feet. It lacks the blue feet and brown back of the Blue-footed Booby.
Explore the Blue-footed Booby
Identify birds anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo & sound identification, full species database, and your personal life list.