Masked Booby
Masked Booby Overview
Known as 'a in the Hawaiian language, masked boobies nests on Moku Manu Island off Oahu and on Ka'ula off Ni'iihau. It is rare elsewhere in the main Hawaiian islands. It can also be found on some northwestern Hawaiian islands.
With a wingspan of 60 inches (152 cm), the masked booby is the largest of all Hawaiian boobies. Adult birds are white with a black tail and black edge of the wings. Their bill and iris are yellow and their feet are dark.
They typically fly low over the ocean's surface and can also be seen plunging down from great hights to catch fish and squid. Breeding season is from January to June. Two eggs are laid in a hole on the ground, but usually only one chick is raised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Masked Booby nest in Hawaii?
Masked Boobies nest primarily on Moku Manu Island off O'ahu and Ka'ula Island near Ni'ihau. They are rare elsewhere in the main Hawaiian Islands but can also be found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
What does a Masked Booby look like?
Adults are white with black on the tail and the edge of the wings. They have yellow eyes and bills, and dark feet. With a wingspan of about 60 inches (152 cm), they are the largest booby in Hawaii.
How does the Masked Booby hunt?
They typically fly low over the ocean and plunge from great heights to catch fish and squid, their primary food sources.
How many eggs do they lay?
Masked Boobies usually lay two eggs directly in a shallow scrape on the ground, but typically only one chick survives and is raised.
When is their breeding season?
The breeding season for Masked Boobies in Hawaii generally occurs from January through June.