Common Name: Magnificent Frigatebird

Scientific Name: Fregata magnificens

Family: Fregatidae

Order: Suliformes

Population Size: Approximately 100,000 – 500,000 individuals

Lifespan: 15–25 years

Top Speed: 15 km/h (9 mph)

Weight: 1–1.6 kg (2.2–3.5 lbs)

Length: 89–114 cm (35–45 in)

Wingspan: 217–244 cm (85–96 in)

Physical description

• Plumage : The Magnificent Frigatebird has black plumage with metallic sheen, particularly bright in males. Males sport a bright red gular pouch, which inflates during courtship to attract females.
• Beak : Long, thin, and hooked, ideal for catching prey at the surface.
• Wings : Long and tapered, allowing them a large wingspan and facilitating efficient gliding flight to cover long distances effortlessly.

Geographical distribution

• Found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as parts of the Atlantic.
• Breeds mainly on isolated tropical and subtropical islands.

Habitat

• The Magnificent Frigatebird is a pelagic species that spends most of its life in flight over tropical and subtropical oceans.
• It avoids direct contact with water because its feathers are not waterproof, preventing it from swimming or floating.

Behavior

• Diet : The Magnificent Frigatebird is primarily piscivorous. It catches fish and squid by flying near the water’s surface and using its long wings for quick and precise movements. It also practices kleptoparasitism, harassing other birds to steal their food.
• Reproduction : Breeding occurs in colonies. During the mating season, males inflate their red gular pouch to attract females. Frigatebirds lay one egg, and the parents care for the young together.
• Migration : Partially migratory, the Magnificent Frigatebird makes seasonal movements between its breeding sites and feeding areas.

Threats and cconservation

• Threats : The Magnificent Frigatebird is threatened by the loss of nesting habitats, marine pollution, and the ingestion of floating plastics.
• Conservation Status : Currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, although some colonies benefit from conservation measures to protect their nesting habitats.