Magnificent Frigatebird
Image: dzhalal (cc-by-nc)
NameMagnificent Frigatebird
Common NameMagnificent Frigatebird
Scientific NameFregata magnificens
FamilyFregatidae
Wingspan (cm)230
Length (cm)100
Weight (g)1350
Plumage DetailsMales are entirely glossy black with an inflatable red gular pouch used during courtship. Females are black with a distinctive white chest and belly, and a variable amount of white on the throat. Juveniles have a white head and chest.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent away from breeding colonies. At colonies, males produce drumming sounds with their inflated gular pouch, while both sexes make various clattering, gurgling, and whistling calls.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, tropical ocean, islands, mangroves
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, including the coasts of the Americas from Florida and Mexico south to Brazil and Ecuador, and various Caribbean and eastern Pacific islands.
Identifying Featuresextremely long, angular wings, deeply forked tail, buoyant, soaring flight, males with inflatable red gular pouch, females with white chest and belly, long, hooked bill
Description
The Magnificent Frigatebird is a large seabird known for its impressive aerial agility and kleptoparasitic behavior. It possesses extremely long, angular wings and a deeply forked tail, allowing it to soar effortlessly for extended periods over tropical oceans.
