Definition:
(noun) A tropical gannet in the genus Sula distinguished by its bright bill, bright feet or both. Boobies have long, pointed wings and a dunce-like facial expression from delicate coloring around the bill and eyes. These seabirds have high, soaring flight and plunge dive to hunt fish deep into the water.
Boobies are not only named for their facial expression, but also for the gullible behavior they displayed when sailors first encountered them. The birds would land on ships becoming easy prey for sailors tired of rations, and because of that hunting many boobies quickly became threatened species.
Booby species include the masked, red-footed, brown, Peruvian and blue-footed boobies.
Photo – Blue-Footed Booby © putneymark
Pronunciation:
BOO-bee
