Boobies are also known for their spectacular hunting, which involves dive bombing -- stopping in midflight and hurling themselves in a headlong dive into the ocean from heights up to 80 feet. They hit the water at breakneck speed and reappear at the surface about 8 to 10 feet away. One wonders how they survive the impact, but boobies are well adapted for such behavior, with air sacs in the skull to cushion the impact and nostrils that can close to keep water out. They also have tapered bills and pointed tails that help to streamline their torpedo-shaped bodies.