Blue-footed have particularly noticeable legs. © IMAGO / McPHOTO
If every living creature were named after its clumsy species, many would be called that. The tropical seabird blue-footed booby lives with fate.
Munich - The bird is not quite so clumsy, but at first glance it seems a bit clumsy. The blue-footed booby is visually a real feast for the eyes. The animal, which is unknown in Europe, has a visual conspicuousness that you can't take your eyes off so quickly. And it is also important for reproduction.
As the name suggests, the feet of the blue-footed booby shine in a striking blue hue that makes the animal look more like it is wearing colorful shoes. The bird reminds a bit of a footballer testing the latest model. But no, the blue feet are innate and important for the rest of his life. This is not an isolated case in the animal kingdom: In Africa, for example, a certain giraffe species is protected because of its special appearance.
Blue-footed got their name mainly because of their feet. On the right, a male object during courtship behavior. © IMAGO / McPHOTO
Blue-footed of the Galapagos Casanova: Anything but clumsy when it comes to courtship behavior
The blue-footed booby manages to get the females around with its feet. National Geographic captured the Excavator Trials. The result is extremely impressive. They are called "masters of seduction". First, they lift their waddling feet up to show what they have. Then they bow their heads and finally the females are gifted. Some human beings have had worse Tinder dates. And if the three steps to conquest are not enough, the blue-footed put up their feathers, which is reminiscent of a peacock in this country.
Blue-footed are also found on the coasts of Peru, Mexico or Ecuador. What makes the feet so blue, some ask? A special layer of fibrous proteins is said to be the reason, as scientists at the University of Kansas have found out, according to Deutschlandfunk Nova. The report also quotes the German biologist Mario Ludwig as saying: "This layer causes only the blue light to be reflected. That's what creates the blue color."
Optics of the blue-footed booby always provide amusement
Übermedien also used the blue-footed booby to investigate the fascination for memes. Because the small animals, about the size of chamois around 80 centimeters, had to serve as Internet pranksters.
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It is said that blue-footed would become aggressive if they got too close to the breeding grounds. This is reminiscent of the cassowary, which looks harmless but is one of the most dangerous animals in the world. However, the NZZ reported in a somewhat differentiated way. According to researchers, the birds seem relaxed, but are internally stressed. The number of heartbeats increases as soon as someone approaches. On the Galapagos Islands, a minimum distance of two meters must be maintained. Since the animals are endemic, i.e. they are localized, most Europeans who do not want to make a long journey can only look at videos or pictures.
Care should be taken against cone snails, for whose poison no antidote is known. (ank)
