These quirky birds live off the western coasts of Central and South America. Only half of all breeding blue-footed boobies call the Galapagos Island their home.
 
Their feet are blue because of the food they eat! The carotenoid pigments (carotenoids are pigments in plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria) they take in through their food get concentrated in their feet, making them look blue!
 
During mating rituals, the males show off their blue feet with a high-stepping strut. Females are attracted to the most bright, blue feet as it indicates a healthy male.
_______
 
Reprint on high quality watercolor paper approx. 8x10" mounted in a 11x14" white matte.