Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)

BirdSeabirdTropical oceans

Overview

Frigatebirds (family Fregatidae) are large, lightweight seabirds of tropical and subtropical oceans, built almost entirely for soaring flight. They have enormous wingspans relative to their body weight — among the largest of any bird — long forked tails, and hooked bills. The magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens), shown here, is a familiar species; the male is famous for the brilliant scarlet throat pouch he inflates like a balloon to attract females.

Frigatebirds are masters of the air and notorious pirates of the sea, often harassing other seabirds to steal their catch — a behaviour called kleptoparasitism.

Note: there are five frigatebird species; details here use the magnificent frigatebird as a reference. Treat general statements as approximate and verify against authoritative sources.

Habitat & Range

Frigatebirds range over warm tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide, often staying within sight of coasts and islands but ranging far out to sea. They breed colonially on remote islands and coastal sites — in mangroves, low trees, or bushes — where males display and pairs raise their young.

Diet

Frigatebirds are carnivores that feed mainly on fish (especially flying fish) and squid, snatched from at or just above the sea surface without landing — their plumage is not very waterproof, so they avoid settling on the water. They also take hatchling sea turtles and seabird chicks, scavenge, and famously practise piracy, chasing other seabirds and forcing them to drop or disgorge their food.

Behavior

Frigatebirds are extraordinary fliers: their light bodies and vast wings let them soar for hours or even days, riding ocean winds and rising air, and tracked birds have stayed aloft for weeks at a time. In the breeding colony, the male inflates his red gular pouch into a huge scarlet balloon, throws back his head, and rattles his bill to court passing females. They are clumsy on land and cannot take off easily from water, so they rely on this aerial mastery for almost everything.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Frigatebirds are striking, much-photographed seabirds and a highlight of tropical coasts and islands (such as the Galápagos). Most species are widespread, but as colonial island-nesters they can be vulnerable to disturbance, introduced predators, and changes in their ocean food supply, and a couple of species are of serious conservation concern. Consult authoritative sources for species-specific status.

More photos of the frigatebird