Christmas Frigatebird
NameChristmas Frigatebird
Common NameChristmas Frigatebird
Scientific NameFregata andrewsi
FamilyFregatidae
Wingspan (cm)217.5
Length (cm)94.5
Weight (g)1375
Plumage DetailsAdult males are entirely black with a large, inflatable red gular pouch. Adult females are black with a distinct white belly and breast, and a red bill with a black tip. Juveniles have a white head and underparts, with a rufous wash on the neck.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent when foraging at sea, but produces a variety of clattering, gurgling, and whistling calls at breeding colonies, especially during courtship and territorial displays.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeThe Christmas Frigatebird is endemic to Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean, where it breeds. Outside the breeding season, it disperses widely across the eastern Indian Ocean.
Identifying Featuresdeeply forked tail, long, pointed wings, white belly patch (female), red bill (female), large size, kleptoparasitic behavior
Description
The Christmas Frigatebird is a large, dark seabird known for its impressive aerial agility and deeply forked tail. Females, like the one pictured, are distinguished by a prominent white belly patch and a reddish bill. This species is endemic to Christmas Island, where it breeds.
