Lesser Frigatebird vs Magnificent Frigatebird

Lesser Frigatebird

Fregata ariel

Large804 gMarine

The lesser frigatebird is the smallest species of frigatebird and measures 66–81 cm (26–32 in) in length with a wingspan of 155–193 cm (61–76 in) and a long, forked tail. Male birds weight 625–875 g (1.378–1.929 lb). Female birds are heavier and weight 760–955 grams (1.676–2.105 lb). Like all frigatebirds, the male has a large, red sac on the front of the throat, which is inflated during courtship. Courtship display also involves a variety of calls, bill rattling, and spreading of the wings.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Aviceda at English Wikipedia (Original text: Tom Tarrant) · CC BY 3.0

Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

Large1.5 kgMarine

The magnificent frigatebird is the largest species of frigatebird. It measures 89–114 cm (2 ft 11 in – 3 ft 9 in) in length, has a wingspan of 2.17–2.44 m (7 ft 1 in – 8 ft 0 in) and weighs 1.1–1.59 kilograms (2 lb 7 oz – 3 lb 8 oz). Males are all-black with a scarlet throat pouch that is inflated like a balloon in the breeding season. Although the feathers are black, the scapular feathers produce a purple iridescence when they reflect sunlight, in contrast to the male great frigatebird's green sheen.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Virtual-Pano · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Lesser Frigatebird and Magnificent Frigatebird.