Magnificent Frigatebird
Fregata magnificens
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Suliformes · Fregatidae
About
The magnificent frigatebird, frigate petrel or man o' war is a seabird of the frigatebird family Fregatidae. With a length of 89–114 centimetres and wingspan of 2.17–2.44 m, it is the largest species of frigatebird. It occurs over tropical and subtropical waters off America, between northern Mexico and Peru 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. It is one of the fastest birds in the world, flying at speeds of up to 153 kilometres (95 mi) per hour.
Fun Fact
Male magnificent frigatebirds inflate a bright red throat pouch to the size of a basketball during courtship, spending up to 20 minutes inflating it while drumming on it to produce a warbling sound.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Tropical coasts and open ocean
Diet
Piscivore
Lifespan
15-25 years
Threats
- Overfishing
- Ocean Pollution