Bird Description

Nests in massive colonies on rocky cliffs. Common winter visitor to most coastal areas. Spectacular plunge-dives to catch fish. Usually seen in flight, often travels in short lines. Large flocks appear where food is abundant. Invariably confuses when seen sitting. ID: Large, slim, evenly-proportioned but angular sulid. Powerful flyer with shallow wingbeats. Large, pointed bill gives a snouted look. Adult (4+ years): strikingly white with black wing-tips and gold-toned head. Juv: appears nondescript with pale spots and streaks. Imms (1-yr-old): start to molt out of juv plumage and molt in progressively more white adult-type feathers over next 2 years. Boobies are similarly shaped but are much rarer and always noticeably smaller with differences in bill and plumage patterns.