Gannets and Boobies [Sulidae]

Description

Sulidae is a family of seabirds within the order Suliformes that includes gannets and boobies. These birds are known for their streamlined bodies, pointed wings, and stout, sharp bills, adapted for plunge diving at high speeds to catch fish and squid. They are typically pelagic, spending most of their lives at sea, only coming ashore to breed. Gannets and boobies nest in large, dense colonies on cliffs or isolated islands. Gannets are larger and predominantly white with black wingtips, while boobies are generally more colorful with varying degrees of brown, white, and blue. Both groups exhibit remarkable diving skills, hitting the water with their bodies streamlined to reduce impact as they pursue their prey underwater.

Genera

Taxonomy