Peruvian Booby

Learn with Manuel Lara about Seed-dispersing mammals.

PERUVIAN BOOBY
Sula variegata (Tschudi, 1843)		Order: Pelecaniformes	Family: Sulidae
CARACTERÍSTICAS / FEATURES	DESCRIPTION These birds have predominantly brown feathers and wings with white feather markings on the tips. They have distinct gray bills and legs with the head and underside of the throat bright white. Their eyes are a deep red-wine color.
	HABITAT They are located on the western coast of South America. They range from southwest Columbia to Isla Grande de Chiloé. There are also vagrant populations in Panama. They typically breed on clifs, and typically select clifs on small islands. Their nest consists of low rims of guano and pebbles.
	IMPORTANCE FOR AGRICULTURE: S. variegata is the second most important guano-producing seabird species. This benefits organic farmers because guano can be used to help fertilize crops due to its high concentra!ion of nitrogen.