Magnificent Frigatebird

The Magnificent Frigatebird, Fregata magnificens, is a seabird of the frigatebird family Fregatidae. It is the largest species within its genus, boasting a length of 89–114 centimeters and an impressive wingspan of 2.17–2.44 meters. The bird is characterized by its brownish-black plumage, long narrow wings, and deeply forked tail. Males are distinguished by a vibrant red gular sac, which they inflate during courtship displays.

Identification Tips

Males of this species are entirely black with a scarlet throat pouch, which becomes conspicuous when inflated. The scapular feathers can exhibit a purple iridescence in sunlight. Females, slightly larger than males, have a white breast and belly, with a brown band on their wings and a distinctive blue eye-ring. Juveniles are identifiable by their white head and underparts, and a unique diamond-shaped belly patch.

Habitat

The Magnificent Frigatebird is found over tropical and subtropical waters, often seen soaring near coastlines and islands.

Distribution

This bird has a broad range across the Americas, from northern Mexico to Peru on the Pacific side, and from Florida to southern Brazil along the Atlantic. It also breeds on the Galápagos Islands and the Cape Verde islands, though the latter population is nearly extirpated.

Behaviour

The Magnificent Frigatebird is known for its remarkable flight abilities, spending days and nights aloft, riding thermals and gliding to conserve energy. It is also noted for its kleptoparasitic behavior, where it harasses other birds to force them to regurgitate their food, which the frigatebird then catches mid-air.

Song & Calls

This species is generally silent when flying but may produce various rattling sounds at its nesting sites.

Breeding

Nesting occurs in trees and bushes on islands and cays, where the bird constructs a platform nest from branches and twigs. Both sexes incubate the single white egg, and after hatching, the female alone provides for the chick for almost a year.

Similar Species

The Magnificent Frigatebird can be confused with other frigatebirds but can be differentiated by the absence of a white axillary spur and the juvenile's distinctive belly patch.

Diet and Feeding

Diet consists of fish, squid, jellyfish, and crustaceans, with variations based on availability and individual hunting techniques. The species is also known for its kleptoparasitic behavior, stealing meals from other seabirds.

Conservation status

The IUCN currently lists the Magnificent Frigatebird as Least Concern. However, the unique Galápagos population may require separate conservation status due to its genetic distinctiveness and vulnerability to catastrophic events. The Cape Verde population is critically low and in need of protection for the species' recovery.