Thirteen Blue-footed Boobies (Sula nebouxii) born on Isla Isabel, Nayarit, Mexico, nested on Isla El Rancho, Sinaloa. This natal dispersal of about 450 km was unknown for this species. Recruitment of these breeders appeared to happen at between four and seven years of age, slightly higher than the recruitment age reported for Isla Isabel birds that remain there. Age at first detection did not differ between males and females. Immigration to Isla El Rancho could relate to the recent establishment of this colony, and its continuous growth during the last five years. Since there doesn’t seem to be a shortage of nesting sites at Isla Isabel, long distance natal dispersal may be a normal trait in this species of booby.
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1 June 2007
Long-Distance Natal Dispersal in Blue-footed Boobies
José Alfredo Castillo-Guerrero,
Eric Mellink
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Waterbirds
Vol. 30 • No. 2
June 2007
Vol. 30 • No. 2
June 2007
Blue-footed Booby
Gulf of California
inter-colony dispersal
natal dispersal
Sula nebouxii