Great Frigatebird
Fregata magnificens
Least Concern
The Magnificent Frigatebird is a master of the sky with the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird. Males have a bright red throat pouch they inflate like a balloon to attract females!
Frigatebirds can stay in the air for weeks at a time, soaring on air currents. Strangely for a seabird, they can't swim or walk well and avoid getting wet at all costs!
Size
Wingspan as wide as a tall adult!
Large (40-60 cm)
Wingspan: 230 cm
Weight: 1500 g
Colors
black
red
Habitat
coastal
Diet
fish
Fun Facts
- ✨Males inflate a red throat pouch like a balloon to impress females!
- ✨They can stay in the air for over a week without landing.
- ✨Frigatebirds steal food from other seabirds - they're 'pirates'!
- ✨They can't swim and avoid water despite being seabirds.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Great news! This bird is doing well. There are lots of them in the wild, and they have safe places to live and find food.
Population trend: decreasing 📉