Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)

The distinctive red throat band is actually a gular sac or pouch that is inflated during mating season and is distinctive to males,

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)

The Brown Pelican is a common resident of Galapagos. While ungainly on land (as pictured here), these large, heavy water birds are accomplished gliders.

Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus)

Tern of tropical offshore waters, rarely seen from mainland but prolific in the Galapagos Islands. They always seem to look moody-frustrated-or even slightly angry. Or by their virtually constant squaking they certainly sound angry nost of the time :D LOL

American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus)

American Oystercatchers survive almost exclusively on shellfish—clams, oysters, and other saltwater molluscs. They're a common sight in the Galapagos Islands as pictured here on the red beaches of Rabida Island.

African Darter (Anhinga rufa)

Also called a Snake Bird. A common pose along the waterside spreading its wings and drying its feathers in the wind because its feathers (unlike most water birds) do not contain any oil and are not waterproof

African Openbill (Anastomus lamelligerus)

It almost exclusively eats snails and bivalves, as its bill is specially adapted to extract the meat without even breaking the shell

Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima)

The red tufts on the upper chest indicate this is a male.

Black-Winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)

The depth of the water doesn't do the lengths of this birds legs any justice.

Grey Go-Away-Bird Corythaixoides concolor)

Gets its name from the sound of its "kweh" or "go-way" calls

Hammerkop (Scopus umbretta)

This fellow was strutting about in wetlands foraging for frogs, fish, and insects.

Nazca Booby (Sula granti)

Infant Nazca Boobie are almost nothing more than balls of tuft down.

Nazca Booby (Sula granti)

Here's a couple passing twigs to build their nest

Nazca Booby (Sula granti)

While abundant they are not endemic to the Galápagos and are prolific on the western cliffs of Española Isle. Very interesting behaviors despite their feet not being as colorful as the Blue-Footed Booby.

Galapagos Dove (Zenaida galapagoensis)

Endemic species to the Galápagos Islands

Galapagos Mockingbird (Mimus parvulus)

Endemic species to the Galápagos Islands

Sula nebouxii (Blue-footed Booby)

The quintessential pose from the quintessential bird that seems to be a poster bird for the galapagos islands,

Sula nebouxii (Blue-footed Booby)

I'm not sure what's more interesting to watch - these Boobies when they take off or land. Both are entertaining moments

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Clear the Landing Pad

A Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer) comes in for landing amoungst a group of White-backed Vultures (Gyps africanus )

African Fish Eagle On Patrol

With talons like that this Haliaeetus vocifer is more likely on the hunt than patrol :-D Many in North America may think it's akin to the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and that's because they are in fact related but from different Continents.

Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus)

Also called blacksmith plover. Its call is a loud ringing “tink-tink-tink” call is uttered in series, like a blacksmith hammering on an anvil.

Hot Pursuit

An African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) pursues a White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus). Had the Fish Eagle been insulted or simply looking for lunch we'll never know.