Seabirds of the Galapagos
What Are Marine Seabirds?
Marine seabirds are birds that rely on the ocean for food, expertly diving and skimming the waters to catch their prey. Unlike other bird species, they are well-adapted to marine environments, with waterproof feathers, salt-excreting glands, and strong flying abilities that allow them to travel great distances in search of food. While they spend much of their lives at sea, they return to land to breed, often forming dense colonies along the rocky cliffs and green highlands of the Galapagos Islands.
Iconic Seabirds of the Galapagos
The waved albatross (Phoebastria irrorata) is a large and distinctive seabird that primarily nests on Española Island in the Galapagos, with a smaller population breeding on Isla de la Plata near Ecuador’s central coast. It is the only albatross species commonly found in and around the Galapagos. It is the only tropical albatross in the world. Adults have brown plumage with a contrasting white head and neck that carry a subtle yellowish tint, along with a prominent yellow bill. Juveniles are initially covered in dark brown feathers and gradually develop their characteristic white head as they mature. These birds are typically seen on land only at their nesting sites, where pairs perform intricate courtship displays. For the rest of the year, they are usually found soaring over the open ocean, far from shore. The waved albatross travels as far as Chile in search of food. Albatrosses digest their food, including fish, squid, and krill, and store the resulting energy-rich oil in a specialized organ called the proventriculus. They then fly back to Española island like the bird equivalent of an oil tanker. This oil is then regurgitated and fed to chicks.
The Galapagos petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia) is a seabird that nests exclusively in the Galapagos. During the non-breeding season, it ventures across the eastern Pacific, often remaining far from land. This species is recognized by its striking black-and-white underwing pattern, predominantly white underparts, and dark upper body, which extends across its face and down the sides of its neck—markings that set it apart from any other seabird in the region. When seen from above, it appears almost entirely dark except for a small white area around the base of its bill. The petrel is rarely spotted near shore, as it travels to and from its nesting sites in the highlands only at night. Known for its swift and agile flight, it relies on its keen sense of smell to locate food across vast oceanic distances. Nesting in burrows high in the islands' interiors, this seabird only lays one egg per year, making conservation efforts crucial for its survival.
The Galapagos shearwater (Puffinus subalaris) is a small black-and-white seabird found in warm tropical waters. In flight, it stays low over the ocean with quick, hurried wingbeats and only short glides. Compared to similar species, it has shorter wings and a more defined dark cap on its head, distinguishing it from the black-vented shearwater, which has a messier brownish head pattern, and Townsend’s shearwater, which appears darker with distinct white patches near its rump. Though primarily pelagic, it occasionally ventures close to shore and nests in rocky cliffs, where it follows a flexible, year-round breeding cycle. It is a small pelagic seabird often seen diving and associating with other seabirds while searching for food.
Several storm petrels inhabit the Galapagos, including the white-vented storm petrel (Oceanites gracilis), the wedge-rumped storm petrel (Hydrobates tethys), and the band-rumped storm petrel (Hydrobates castro). These small seabirds are highly adapted to life over the open ocean, often hovering just above the waves as they feed on small fish.
The red-billed tropicbird (Phaeton aethereus mesonauta) is a stunning white bird with long, elegant tail feathers and a striking red bill. These pelagic birds are expert divers, plunging into the ocean to catch fish. Red-billed tropicbird’s nest on exposed ocean cliffs. They are rarely seen on land outside of their nests.
The boobies of the Galapagos include the famous blue-footed booby (Sula nebouxii), the red-footed booby (Sula sula), and the Nazca booby (Sula granti).
The blue-footed booby (Sula nebouxii) is a medium-sized seabird, measuring around 81 cm (32 in) in length with a wingspan of approximately 152 cm (60 in). It is most recognizable for its striking bright blue feet, which play a crucial role in courtship displays. The bird has white underparts, brown upperparts, and dark brown flight feathers. Its bill is pale yellowish or grayish, and its forward-facing eyes provide excellent binocular vision for spotting prey. These birds are exceptional divers, often plunging from heights of up to 25 meters (82 feet) to catch fish. They primarily inhabit the Pacific coastlines of the Americas, with a large population residing in the Galapagos Islands. Blue-footed boobies nest on the ground in open areas and lay one to two eggs per clutch. Both parents share incubation duties, using their warm, webbed feet to regulate the eggs’ temperature. Their courtship is famous for its elaborate dance, in which males lift their feet in an exaggerated manner to display their vibrant blue color, signaling good health and genetic fitness to potential mates.
The red-footed booby (Sula sula) is the smallest of the three Galapagos booby species, measuring about 70 cm (28 in) in length with a wingspan of roughly 137 cm (54 in). It is easily identified by its bright red feet and long, pointed wings. Unlike the blue-footed booby, this species exhibits color variation, with both white and brown morphs. Regardless of plumage color, all red-footed boobies have a distinctive pale blue bill and facial skin. Unlike its ground-nesting relatives, the red-footed booby prefers to nest in trees, constructing platform-like nests in mangroves and coastal vegetation. It is a skilled flyer and can travel great distances in search of food, mainly feeding on flying fish and squid. Red-footed boobies are highly social and often nest in large colonies. Their breeding cycle is longer than that of other boobies, with a single egg being laid and incubated for about 45 days. The chick remains dependent on its parents for several months, receiving regurgitated food until it is ready to fledge.
The Nazca booby (Sula granti) is the largest of the three species, reaching about 89 cm (35 in) in length with a wingspan of nearly 165 cm (65 in). It has a sleek white body with black wingtips and a strikingly sharp, yellow-orange bill. Unlike the colorful feet of the other species, the Nazca booby’s feet are a pale grayish or greenish shade. Found exclusively in the eastern Pacific, particularly in the Galapagos Islands, this species is known for its dramatic breeding behavior. It practices obligate siblicide, in which the first chick to hatch often pushes its younger sibling out of the nest. Since food availability can be unpredictable, this strategy ensures that at least one chick survives in times of scarcity. Nazca boobies nest on the ground, often on cliffs or rocky outcrops, where they lay two eggs per clutch. They are skilled hunters, primarily preying on fish such as sardines and anchovies by executing high-speed plunge dives into the ocean. Despite their aggressive nesting behavior, adult Nazca boobies are social and can often be seen resting in large groups along the shoreline.
The Galapagos Islands are home to two species of frigatebirds: the magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) and the great frigatebird (Fregata minor). These seabirds are renowned for their exceptional aerial abilities, often soaring effortlessly on thermal currents for hours without flapping their wings. As skilled kleptoparasites, they frequently harass other seabirds—such as boobies and terns—chasing them down and forcing them to regurgitate their catch, which the frigatebirds skillfully snatch in midair. Unlike other seabirds, frigatebirds lack waterproof feathers, meaning they cannot dive into the water to catch fish. Instead, they rely on stealing food or snatching flying fish from the ocean's surface.
Both species exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males and females displaying distinct differences in coloration. Male frigate birds are best known for their dramatic red throat pouch, which they inflate like a balloon during the breeding season to attract females. Female frigate birds have a white breast and belly, which distinguishes them from the all-black males. Juveniles have a white head and chest.
Though very similar in appearance, magnificent frigatebirds and great frigatebirds have subtle differences. Magnificent frigatebirds have an iridescent black sheen with a violet gloss on their feathers. Great frigatebirds, on the other hand, have an iridescent black sheen and an emerald gloss on their feathers.
The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis urinator) is one of the largest coastal birds in the Galapagos, diving from great heights to catch fish with their expandable throat pouches. Brown pelicans have distinctive plumage that changes with age and breeding condition. Adults typically have brownish-gray bodies, a white head, and a yellowish crown, while their long, hooked bills are grayish with a reddish hue near the base. During the breeding season, the back of the male's head turns a deep chestnut brown, adding a vibrant contrast to their otherwise muted tones. Juveniles are entirely brown with a lighter underbelly, gradually acquiring adult coloration as they mature. Brown pelicans often choose rocky cliffs, coastal shrubs, or mangrove trees to build their nests. The female typically lays two to three eggs, which both parents incubate by warming them with their webbed feet.
The swallow-tailed gull (Creagrus furcatus) is a truly unique seabird, as it is the only fully nocturnal gull species in the world. Endemic to the Galápagos Islands, this elegant and highly specialized bird has evolved remarkable adaptations that allow it to hunt effectively under the cover of darkness. Unlike other gulls, which rely on daytime foraging strategies, the swallow-tailed gull uses moonlight and bioluminescence to locate its primary prey—squid and small fish that migrate to the ocean’s surface at night.
One of the most striking adaptations of the swallow-tailed gull is its large, forward-facing eyes, which are proportionally the largest of any gull species. These eyes are specially designed for enhanced night vision, featuring a high density of rod cells that allow them to detect movement in extremely low light conditions. A distinctive red eye-ring, particularly vibrant during the breeding season, contrasts with its pale gray head and white body. Another defining feature is its deeply forked tail, which gives the species its name.
Breeding colonies are typically found on steep, rocky cliffs and lava outcrops, where pairs form strong, long-term bonds. They lay a single egg per clutch, which both parents incubate for about 35 days. Nestlings hatch with a cryptic mottled coloration, helping them blend into the rocky terrain and avoid predators. Since the parents continue to forage at night, chicks are fed regurgitated fish and squid. Unlike many other seabirds, the swallow-tailed gull has a nearly year-round breeding cycle, with different colonies breeding at different times. This allows the species to take advantage of food availability across various seasons.
The Lava Gull (Leucophaeus fuliginosus), is endemic to the Galapagos Islands and holds the title for smallest population of gulls in the world, with an estimated fewer than 1,000 individuals. The adult is easily identified by its sooty-gray body, black head, white crescents above and below the eye, and pale rump. Juveniles are grayish-brown with tan scaling on the back and wings and a pale rump. Found along the coast, the Lava Gull rarely ventures inland or far out to sea, typically foraging along beaches and rocky shorelines. It is also known to perch on boats and docks. With its small population and limited distribution, the Lava Gull faces numerous threats, making conservation efforts crucial for its survival.
The flightless cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi) is a distinctive seabird found only on a few of the Galapagos Islands, such as Fernandina and Isabela. Known for its inability to fly, this bird has evolved unique traits for life in the water, relying on its diving skills to catch prey. With a dark, robust body and nearly black plumage, the flightless cormorant blends seamlessly into its marine habitat. Its short, broad wings are vestigial and ill-suited for flight, but perfectly adapted for swimming. The long neck and hooked bill make it efficient at catching fish, while webbed feet provide propulsion underwater. Its stiff tail serves as a rudder, aiding in swift dives and precise navigation through the water. A skilled diver, the flightless cormorant hunts mainly on small fish, eels, and invertebrates. It can dive up to 15 meters (50 feet) and remains underwater for several minutes. Its preferred hunting grounds are shallow coastal waters, where it often locates schools of fish or forages from submerged rock pools. Breeding takes place on the isolated shores of Fernandina and Isabela, where cormorants build simple nests using seaweed and twigs. The female typically lays two to three eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them. Once hatched, the chicks are fed regurgitated food and, over time, learn to dive for prey, emulating their parents' techniques.
The Galapagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) is one of the smallest penguin species and the only one found north of the equator, living exclusively on the Galapagos Islands. It measures around 49 cm (19 in) in height and weighs 3.5 - 5.5 pounds.
This penguin is an excellent swimmer, using its wings as flippers to propel through the water. It can breed year-round, with peak breeding times from May to August, nesting in shaded areas on lava rocks or caves. Both parents share incubation duties for one to two eggs, with the chicks staying with the parents for food and protection.
The Galapagos penguin is considered endangered, with fewer than 2,000 individuals remaining. Threats include climate change, predation by invasive species, and food scarcity caused by ocean temperature fluctuations. Conservation efforts are in place to help protect this unique species.
Why Are Galapagos Seabirds Important?
Seabirds play a crucial role in the ecosystem of the Galapagos. As top marine predators, they help regulate fish populations. Their guano (droppings) also acts as a natural fertilizer, enriching the soil and helping sustain the delicate island ecosystem. Additionally, seabirds serve as indicators of ocean health, with population changes often signaling shifts in marine conditions.
