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What is the purpose of the blue feet among blue-footed boobies?

Blue feet are key parts of the bird’s courtship. The blue coloration is derived from the intake of carotenoids, a pigment found in fish. Females are attracted to mates with a brighter color blue, which is an indicator of the male’s maturity and health. Studies also indicate that males show a preference for females with vibrant blue feet rather than females with duller-colored feet.