Magnificent Frigatebird
NameMagnificent Frigatebird
Common NameMagnificent Frigatebird
Scientific NameFregata magnificens
FamilyFregatidae
Wingspan (cm)229
Length (cm)100
Weight (g)1350
Plumage DetailsAdult males are entirely iridescent black with a large, inflatable scarlet gular pouch on their throat. Females are black with a white chest and belly, and a red eye-ring. Juveniles have a white head and underparts.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent away from breeding colonies. At colonies, they produce a variety of calls including clattering sounds made with their bills, drumming noises, and whistles, especially during courtship displays by males.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal marine, tropical islands, open ocean
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, and along the Pacific coast of the Americas from Mexico to Ecuador, as well as the Galápagos Islands.
Identifying Featureslarge size, long, pointed wings, deeply forked tail, long, hooked bill, male's inflatable red gular pouch, exceptional aerial agility
Description
A large, dark seabird known for its exceptional aerial agility and long, pointed wings. Males are distinguished by their inflatable scarlet gular pouch, prominently displayed during courtship. These birds spend much of their lives soaring over tropical oceans, rarely landing on water.
