What is a Frigatebird?

The frigatebird typically has black plumage, a forked tail, and usually weighs approximately 3 pounds (1.5 kg). Female frigatebirds typically have a white underbelly, while male frigatebirds usually have a very bright red throat sac. Despite their light weight, the wing spread of a frigatebird can be in excess of 6.5 feet (2 m). Long billed and long tailed with short legs and webbed feet, the frigatebird is awkward in movement on the ground and cannot swim but is very graceful in flight.

In fact, frigatebirds are so graceful in flight they are able to remain in the air for more than a week while landing only for roosting or breeding purposes. Not surprisingly, they use their excellent flying ability to catch food. For instance, frigatebirds fly and are able to catch squid, jellyfish, and flying fish. Also, they do occasionally steal the fish out of the mouths of gulls or pelicans. In addition, they also eat young seabirds such as terns or noddys.

Frigatebirds can potentially have a 15- to 30-year lifespan and are often seen in a variety of areas. For instance, frigatebirds have been seen in the Caribbean, western Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, and Florida. Sightings of these birds have also occurred at Ascension Island in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Christmas Island in the southern Pacific Ocean, and in the Galapagos Islands.

The frigatebird is a member of the Fregatidae bird family. Within the Fregatidae family, there are five species of frigatebirds. They are the magnificent frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens) and the great frigatebirds (Fregata minor), the Ascension frigatebirds (Fregata aquila), the Christmas Island frigatebirds (Fregata andrewski), and the lesser frigatebirds (Fregata ariel).

Wherever they are seen, frigatebirds typically will choose to nest on rocky ledges or in trees. Also, when it is time to breed, male frigatebirds will inflate their red throat sac with air. Female frigatebirds will then notice the males and select the male they want and land beside him. In response, the male spreads his wings around that female to protect her from other male frigatebirds.

Female frigatebirds typically bring sticks to the nesting site while males build the nest. From that point, frigatebirds are reportedly seasonally monogamous while they nest colonially. One or perhaps two eggs are laid during each breeding season. Both the male and female feed the younglings for the initial three months; however, during the eight months after that, only the mother feeds the younglings. The male leaves to find another female frigatebird mate.

Frigatebirds are known for their distinctive forked tails and long, slender wings that span up to 2.3 meters, which is the largest wing area to body weight ratio of any bird. Males are recognizable by their striking red gular pouch, which they inflate like a balloon to attract mates during the breeding season.

Frigatebirds are masterful gliders, utilizing thermal updrafts and trade winds to soar for weeks without landing. Their low body weight and large wings allow them to stay aloft with minimal energy expenditure. They can even sleep while flying by resting one hemisphere of their brain at a time.

Frigatebirds are primarily kleptoparasites, meaning they often steal food from other seabirds in mid-air chases. They also catch fish and squid from the ocean surface but rarely dive due to their minimal waterproofing. Their diet is supplemented by seabird chicks and eggs they may snatch from nests.

Frigatebirds are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, especially around the Pacific and Indian Oceans as well as the South Atlantic. They prefer to nest in mangroves or on remote islands. During non-breeding seasons, they can be seen soaring over open ocean, far from land.

Yes, frigatebirds are quite social, particularly during breeding season when they gather in large colonies on islands. Outside of breeding, they may fly alone or in loose groups. Their aerial acrobatics and pursuit of other birds for food are often conducted in the company of other frigatebirds.

Conservation status varies among the five species of frigatebirds. For instance, the Christmas Island Frigatebird is listed as critically endangered, while others like the Magnificent Frigatebird are of lesser concern. Threats include habitat loss, egg collection, and pollution. Conservation efforts are crucial for protecting these unique seabirds.