Magnificent Frigatebird
Magnificent Frigatebird
The Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) is a seabird of the frigatebird family Fregatidae. With a length of 89–114 centimetres (35–45 in) it is the largest species of frigatebird. It occurs over tropical and subtropical waters off America, between northern Mexico and Ecuador on the Pacific coast and between Florida and southern Brazil along the Atlantic coast. There are also populations on the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific and the Cape Verde islands in the Atlantic. Also in Northern Peru.
The magnificent frigatebird is a large, lightly built seabird with brownish-black plumage, long narrow wings and a deeply forked tail. The male has a striking red gular sac which it inflates to attract a mate. The female is slightly larger than the male and has a white breast and belly. Frigatebirds feed on fish taken in flight from the ocean’s surface (often flying fish), and sometimes indulge in kleptoparasitism, harassing other birds to force them to regurgitate their food.
Photo Gallery
H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 
Interesting bird, I love your shots of the ones with the boat and on/above the red light! 🙂
These birds are really terrific in the air. I remember I shot a series of two fighting for a fish in the air to finally drop it and was eaten by a third one waiting patiently. Thank you Donna. 🙂
Oh how I love to watch the frigatebirds. Thanks so much for this special look today, HJ. Your photos are great, capturing the colors of the seaside and the enormity of this incredible bird.
These frigatebirds are abundant in that location not very far from Galapagos. I was very impressed when I first saw them high in the air cruising, they resembled terodactiles you see in movies. Later I hiked to a fishing port where they were all over the place. I loved it! Thanks my friend. 🙂
Beautiful pictures of the frigate bird! Excellent documentation!
Thank you very much Indira. 🙂
Wonderful shots of the bird in flight.
Thank you Susan, I appreciate it 🙂
Such cool pictures, H.J.! When I see these birds they always fly at 1000 feet, or so it seems 🙂 Like your new red gravatar!
They do fly very high. I decided to change to a cardinal and replace the old blue bird gravatar. Thank you very much Tiny. 🙂
Wow, they look impressive! Thanks for sharing this, HJ.
Thank you for your visit Chris. 🙂
I would like to have one of them to watch. Good shots.
Thank you Tom. 🙂
Incredible birds – lovely shots. I watched them chasing and stealing from others on my trip to Galapagos. Excellent flyers.
Thank you very much Leya! I appreciate your sharing. 🙂
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I would love to see one of these magnificent birds one day! Thank you for all these wonderful shots, HJ and the interesting information.
Thank you very much Clare. 🙂
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