Image via Macaulay Library
Masked Booby
- Scientific name
- Sula dactylatra
- Family
- Sulidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Aquatic ocean
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Pointed
Where it came from
The Masked Booby, scientifically classified as Sula dactylatra, represents a distinct evolutionary lineage within the Sulidae family. Its development is a result of millions of years of adaptation to pelagic environments, characterized by its pointed wings and tail which facilitate high-speed plunge-diving. These birds are primarily found in tropical oceans, where their specific morphological traits allow them to hunt at depth, separating them ecologically from other booby species that inhabit shallower coastal waters.
The species was formally described by the French naturalist René Primevère Lesson in 1831. Its nomenclature reflects its striking visual characteristics, particularly the dark facial mask that contrasts against its otherwise white plumage. Ornithologists and evolutionary biologists have long studied the Masked Booby as a prime example of avian specialization for life in the open sea, valuing the species for its role as an indicator of oceanic health and prey distribution within warm-water ecosystems.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Masked Booby
Masked Booby is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Masked Booby on collecto.rs?
Masked Booby doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Masked Booby?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Masked Booby catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Masked Booby is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
