The red-footed booby (Sula sula) colony on Mabualau Island, Fiji, was visited from 1980 to 1982. Eggs were recorded throughout the year, and young were found in seven of the nine months of the year considered. The two peaks of nesting recorded were about 7-8 months apart. Only unsuccessful birds were likely to nest twice in the same year. Fledging success was low in both 1980 (55%) and 1981 (24%). Climatic factors rather than food supply or predators caused most mortality. The diet comprised flying fish and squid. Growth was similar to that on Aldabra Atoll, but fledging weight was higher. The timing of the breeding seasons is discussed.