Gannets and Boobies Sulidae
The family consists of 3 genera. There were formerly 9 species of gannets and boobies, but recent studies have shown that the former sub-species Nazca Booby Sula granti warranted a full split from the Masked Booby Sula dactylatra. There are three species of gannets, all of which look almost identical, and were once considered geographical races of a single species. The seven distinct species of boobies are generally found in warmer tropical waters. The Abbott's Booby Papasula abbotti is listed as endangered, and the Cape Gannet Morus capensis is considered vulnerable. Gannets and boobies are strictly marine birds, they spend long periods of time at sea, some species being found several hundred miles from land. It is always a delight to watch their spectacular fishing technique of "plunge-diving" into the ocean, often from great heights. When observed on land, they can be very confiding, enabling great photo opportunities.

Morus

There are 3 members in the genus.

The Northern Gannet Morus bassanus is the largest member of the family. It is restricted to both sides of the North Atlantic Ocean. Some young birds may winter as far south as the equator. Photographed at one of their breeding colonies, the very steep Bempton Cliff's, near Bridlington, England.




Sula

There are 6 members in this genus.

The Red-footed Booby Sula sula is perhaps the most abundant and widespread of it's family. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters, typically between the Tropics of Cancer, and Capricorn. They nest in trees on islands with abundant vegetation. This individual was observed gathering nesting material at the Kilauea Lighthouse National Wildlife Refuge, Kauai, Hawaiian Islands.





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