Brown Booby Birds are a favorite to watch and most often are seen nesting at the top of the bluff edge or along exposed rocky shorelines. They tend to the nest in pairs. While one is off looking for food or materials for the nest, the other stays behind and protects their chick. They breed once a year, more often seen from December through March around the world but can also occur year round in some regions. For the most part, you will only ever see them with one chick. It is fun to watch them soar along the cliffs and dive into the water to catch fish. It is also entertaining watching them turn their heads from side to side to observe their surroundings.
The Brown Booby Birds are currently not listed as threatened or endangered due to their wide distribution world wide. They tend to migrate and be found more commonly in island locations throughout the world. Regardless of these birds not being listed as threatened or endangered, the National Conservation Council in the Cayman Islands is considering plans of protection for these birds along with several other sea birds.
Over the past few years the number of Brown Booby Birds has declined dramatically. Nesting pairs were once prevalent along the bluff edge but now its hard to find more than a few active nests. They are fun to watch and photograph really well but please keep your distance and give them space; they will often “grunt” if you get too close. If they are nesting near a climbing route please do not climb that route and consider another climb. Signs are often posted at nesting locations, especially along the south shore.
Also, be sure to stop in at NIM Things in Spot Bay and ask Tenson Scott about the native history and these beautiful birds.
Resources:
Department of Environmental website regarding the Brown Booby Birds
National Conservation Council Protection Proposal
News article from 2023 on the Cayman News Service website
All About Birds website
