Zoology of the ZooPl. CLXXI
Magnificent frigatebird
Fregata magnificens
Aves · Suliformes · Fregatidae
Fig. 1. Magnificent frigatebird
Fig. 2. Range
| Length or height | About 89-114 cm long; wingspan about 2.2-2.4 m |
|---|---|
| Weight | About 1.1-1.6 kg |
| Food | Fish and squid, often stolen from other birds |
| Lifespan | About 30 years or more (est.) |
| Society | Colonies |
| Habitat | coastal, marine |
| Range | North America, South America, Africa |
| Wild or tame | Wild |
Males inflate a red throat pouch like a balloon to court females flying overhead. Frigatebirds can stay aloft for weeks but cannot land on water. Seen over the Florida Keys and Tampa Bay.
Observe: Look for the long forked tail and bent wings high over the coast.