Fregatidae

A uniform group of striking seabirds, frigatebirds are easily recognized as they soar endlessly over warm oceans.

Additional information

Adult males are all black or with limited white on the belly and axillaries, the throat pouch is bright red. Females generally have more white on the breast. Juveniles have a white rusty head and a variable brown bar on the upperwing.

Flight is buoyant and soaring, with rapid glides and remarkable maneuverability. Frigatebirds may chase other seabirds to steal their food; otherwise, they feed by dipping to the water's surface for prey or offal. They perch on trees, shrubs, wires, ship riggings, or cliffs, but do not land on the water.

The birds occupy tropical and subtropical coastlines and oceanic islands. They usually forage along coasts or in inshore waters, but also range widely at sea. Nesting colonies are usually sited on shrubby or wooded islands. Some populations are vulnerable due to limited number of breeding areas. Introduced predators and human disturbance also pose risks for some colonies. The birds tend to breed every other year.

Taxonomy 

There are 5 species all belonging to genus Fregata.

• F. aquila (Ascension Fregatebird)
• F. andrewsi (Christmas Fregatebird)
• F. magnificens (Magnificent Fregatebird)
• F. minor (Great Fregatebird)
• F. ariel (Lesser Fregatebird)