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MarinePlatform nestLarge · 1.3 kg
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.
When to see the Great Frigatebird
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is October, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Great Frigatebird
The map shades 40 countries with regular records, and 14 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in South Africa, Colombia, New Zealand, India, France, Japan, Thailand, Peru, China, Hong Kong SAR China, Vietnam, Mauritius, Mayotte, Somalia.
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.
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).
Ascension FrigatebirdFregata aquilaThe Ascension frigatebird is a dark coloured seabird with long slender pointed wings, a long deeply forked tail and a long hooked bill.
Side by side: Great Frigatebird vs Magnificent Frigatebird · Great Frigatebird vs Lesser Frigatebird
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