Red-footed Booby vs Masked Booby

In short

The Red-footed Booby and Masked Booby can be distinguished by their leg color and facial features. Red-footed Boobies have distinctive red legs and a variety of plumage morphs, while Masked Boobies have yellow legs and a more uniform white body with black flight feathers.

Identification tips

• Leg color: Red-footed Booby has red legs; Masked Booby has yellow legs.
• Facial features: Masked Booby has a black mask around the eyes.
• Plumage morphs: Red-footed Booby shows more variation; look for brown morphs.
• Size and structure: Masked Booby is larger and more robust.

Size

The Masked Booby is larger and more robust compared to the smaller and more slender Red-footed Booby.

Plumage

Red-footed Boobies exhibit a wide range of plumage morphs from all white with black flight feathers to all brown, whereas Masked Boobies are primarily white with black on the wings and tail. Masked Boobies also have a distinctive black mask around their eyes.

Behaviour

Both species are pelagic and engage in plunge diving for fish, but the Masked Booby is generally less wary of humans, often allowing closer observation.

Habitat

Both species are found in tropical and subtropical oceans, often nesting on isolated islands. However, Red-footed Boobies are more likely to be found nesting in trees or shrubs, while Masked Boobies typically nest on the ground.

Voice

Vocalizations are not a primary distinguishing feature in the field for these species.