Day 7 of Avian August 2025, Birds of Hawaii, hosted by @cookiedoves: Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra) The red-footed, brown and masked boobies can all be found on and around Hawaii, but the masked booby is the largest of the three. It nests on remote atolls and islands that form part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
Masked Boobies nest on the ground, but the nest is less of a traditional bird's nest and more of a scrape in an open sandy or rocky area. The beach naupaka plays a role in stabilizing the environment around their nesting sites. It also provides shady spots for chicks to stay out or the sun, and a barrier against strong winds. In return for the plants protection, the boobies provide the surrounding soil with nitrogen and phosphorus rich guano, promoting better plant growth. Who doesn't love a booby!?
*Plant featured is a native Hawaiian species, Beach Naupaka (Scaevola taccada)
