Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

Lesser Frigatebird

Fregata ariel

The lesser frigatebird, Fregata ariel, is the most diminutive member of the frigatebird family, with an average length of about 75 cm. It is a seabird with a slender build and predominantly brownish-black plumage. Its wings are long and narrow, and it sports a deeply forked tail, characteristic of its kind.

Identification Tips

Males can be identified by their striking red gular sac, which they inflate during courtship displays. They are mostly black with a white patch on the flank that extends onto the underwing as a spur, and a pale bar on the upper wing. Females are slightly larger, with a white breast and belly, and a black head and neck with a white collar. They also have a narrow red ring around the eye. Juveniles and immature birds have white spurs in their armpits, aiding in their identification.

Habitat

Lesser frigatebirds are pelagic, spending most of their life over tropical and subtropical waters. They are rarely seen on land except during breeding seasons when they nest in trees or on the ground on remote islands.

Distribution

This species is widespread across the Indian and Pacific Oceans and can also be found off the Atlantic coast of Brazil. They are known to breed on remote islands, including Christmas Island, and are often seen from the mainland before tropical cyclones.

Behaviour

These birds are masters of the air, with a light skeleton and long wings adapted for soaring. They rarely swim and are not adept at walking but can climb in vegetation. They are known for kleptoparasitism, harassing other birds for food, although this behavior is not their primary means of feeding.

Song & Calls

The courtship display of the lesser frigatebird includes a variety of calls, bill rattling, and wing spreading, particularly by males to attract mates.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from May to December in the Australian region. They nest in trees, with both sexes contributing to nest building, incubation, and feeding of the young. A single egg is laid, hatching after 6-7 weeks, with fledglings remaining in the nest for about 6 months.

Similar Species

The lesser frigatebird can be confused with other frigatebird species, but it is distinguishable by its smaller size and specific plumage characteristics, as described in the identification tips.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet mainly consists of fish and squid, which they skillfully snatch from the ocean's surface. They are also known to feed on flying fish.

Conservation Status

The lesser frigatebird is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a large global population and extended range. However, certain subspecies, such as the F. a. trinitatis, are critically endangered and have a very restricted breeding range. Conservation efforts have been successful in some areas, with the removal of invasive species leading to the reestablishment of colonies.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Lesser Frigatebirds on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Frigatebirds

A photo of a Christmas Frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi) , male

Christmas Frigatebird

Fregata andrewsi
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Mike T
Sense of Community
A great app, which is continually being improved. What really comes through is the passion of those behind the app. The sense of community is brilliant, so much help and support provided to new and/or in experienced birders.
Carrie
Makes you want to spot birds more
I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
Hip An
Fantastic
Really enjoying Birda where I live i have a lot of Red kites really hard to photograph but I can video are you planning some place on the app where us Birda can post vids🦉🦅
778
Great bird recording
For a while I’ve been trying to find an app to easily record bird lists and day out and struggled to find one that I like. Birda is great for this, straightforward and a great community!
Nedz53
Really useful
Downloaded to give it a try, everything worked perfectly, recorded my first bird watching walk. Very impressed. Have already recommended to friends!
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
Dunners12345
Great App
Great app to use for logging and communicating with others who are interested in birds
Foxgirl100
Great app for beginner twitchers
I’ve had a passion of photographing birds for a long time now but have only just gotten into proper birdwatching, and this app is brilliant for those just getting started. There is a great sense of community among users and the app is very easy to use and professional. Awesome app altogether
Ellesse_W
Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! 🐦
Birdafan
Ideal Birdwatch Companion
Simply adds to the enjoyment of my birdwatching and helps me record what I’ve seen.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.