During the mid-twentieth century, the Peruvian booby population reached 3 million birds.

Their feet are webbed and also grey; as opposed to the characteristic colouring of the blue-footed and red-footed boobies[6][7] Female boobies tend to be larger than their male counterparts: their bodies an average of 19% heavier, and their wings 4% larger.

[9] The Peruvian booby is confined to the waters of the Humboldt current, off the coast of South America.

This kind of auditory communication is unique to adult members of the species, as it takes a few years to be able to produce such vocalizations.

They rely on the cold, productive waters of the Humboldt Current upwelling system for a consistent food source.

[11] The events of El Niño have a significant impact on the success of the Peruvian booby, as they are responsible for a reduced availability of food for the birds.

[11] Peruvian boobies are plunge divers, with a relatively short dive time of 3.1–3.4 seconds.

[11] Peruvian boobies have relatively low wing loading, and are considered glide-flappers, meaning they alternate active flapping with short periods of gliding.

Pairs of birds may attempt to breed for a second time during the year depending on food availability.

The eggs are pale blue in colour and are incubated for approximately 4 to 5 weeks, with both male and female parents sharing the nest attendance.