# @natgeo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CIhZjNVMEks
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/11687185-natgeo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/626342503a.jpg
- **Posted:** 2020-12-08T03:34:52.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** National Geographic (@NatGeo) — https://gondola.cc/NatGeo

## Caption

Photo by Cristina Mittermeier Mitty / The Galápagos are home to some of nature’s more unusual characters, and the blue-footed booby is perhaps one of the most iconic and beloved animals in the archipelago. Its dazzling feet are a sign of a strong immune system and are directly impacted by the bird’s diet. The pigment comes from carotenoid, found in fresh fish, which helps stimulate the bird’s immune function. The brighter the feet, the healthier the bird, which may be why females tend to be more impressed by males with very blue feet. They may look a little silly to us, especially when they waddle around on land with their endearing expressions of perpetual astonishment, but these birds are expert divers. Their nostrils are sealed, so they can dive-bomb schools of fish to depths of up to 80 feet (25m). They are one of the best examples of the  extraordinary biodiversity in the Galápagos islands and why this is such a critical area for marine conservation. Follow me Mitty as I work with my team SeaLegacy and with OnlyOne to help protect key areas of biodiversity like this one. #galapagosislands #bluefootedbooby #galapagos

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 277,547
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- **Comments:** 927

## Tags

galapagos, bluefootedbooby, galapagosislands

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