About the Great Frigatebird
The great frigatebird is a large seabird in the frigatebird family. There are major nesting populations in the tropical Pacific Ocean, such as Hawaii and the Galápagos Islands; in the Indian Ocean, colonies can be found in the Seychelles and Mauritius, and there is a tiny population in the South Atlantic, mostly on and around St. Helena and Boatswain Bird Island.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The great frigatebird measures 85 to 105 cm (33 to 41 in) in length and has a wingspan of 205–230 cm (81–91 in). Male great frigatebirds are smaller than females, but the extent of the variation varies geographically. The male birds weigh 1,000–1,450 g (2.20–3.20 lb) while the heavier female birds weigh 1,215–1,590 g (2.679–3.505 lb). Frigatebirds have long narrow pointed wings and a long narrow deeply forked tail. They have the highest ratio of wing area to body mass and the lowest wing loading of any bird.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in South Africa, Colombia, New Zealand, India, France, Thailand, Peru, China, Hong Kong SAR China, Vietnam, Mauritius, Mayotte, Somalia.
When to see it
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Lesser FrigatebirdFregata arielThe 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.
Christmas FrigatebirdFregata andrewsiThe Christmas frigatebird measures 89–100 cm (35–39 in) in length, has a wingspan of 205–230 cm (81–91 in) and weighs around 1,550 g (3.42 lb).
Magnificent FrigatebirdFregata magnificensThe magnificent frigatebird is the largest species of frigatebird.
Learn the Great Frigatebird for real
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