Essential Information on the Nazca Booby
The Nazca Booby, also known as the Masked Booby due to its distinctive head markings, is a prominent resident of the Galápagos Islands, hosting about 15,000 to 20,000 breeding pairs. It is the largest of the three booby species found in the Galápagos and is distinct from its more famous, colored-footed relatives.
Nazca Boobies nest on several Galápagos Islands, with their breeding seasons varying by location. For instance, eggs are laid on Genovesa Island from August to November, while on Española Island, the period extends from November to February. Their nests are simple, consisting of a cleared circular area lined with their guano.
Interestingly, Nazca Booby chicks are known for a grim behavior: sibling rivalry that ends in death. Females lay two eggs, spaced up to nine days apart. If both eggs hatch, the older chick pushes the younger one out of the nest circle, leading to its death by starvation, cold, or predation. Scientists believe this behavior is an "insurance policy," ensuring at least one chick survives if the first egg doesn't hatch or the first chick dies within a few days.
