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Masked Booby

The masked booby (G. personatus) dazzles with its contrasting white body and black mask. A master diver, it hunts fish in tropical seas. Nesting on isolated islands, it contributes to ecosystem balance by managing fish stocks and nutrient distribution.

Height: 5 cm
Size
Characteristics
G. personatus, commonly known as the masked booby, is a large seabird found in tropical and subtropical oceans. It is distinguished by its striking white plumage, black facial mask, and bright yellow beak. These birds are exceptional divers, plunging into the ocean to catch fish and squid. They often nest in colonies on remote islands, playing a vital role in their ecosystems by controlling fish populations and facilitating nutrient cycling.
Distribution Range of the Masked Booby
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Masked Booby's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
The Galápagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) inhabits coastal and marine environments around the Galápagos Islands. The region experiences a tropical climate moderated by ocean currents, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C. The islands are influenced by the cool Humboldt Current and the warm El Niño Southern Oscillation, affecting sea surface temperatures and food availability.
Ecological Niche
The Galápagos penguin is adapted to a marine lifestyle, relying on nutrient-rich waters for feeding. It primarily inhabits rocky shorelines and coastal areas where it can find crevices and caves for nesting. The species feeds on small fish and marine invertebrates, diving into the ocean to hunt. Its distribution is limited to areas where cold upwelling currents bring abundant food sources, making it one of the few penguin species residing near the equator.