Males have a large, bright red gular pouch (located on the front of their throat) that they use in courtship display. The male frigatbirds assemble in a group and each inflates its gular pouch and points its bill upwards. When a female flies over the group of males, they pat their bill against the pouch to make a thumping noise. When this display is successful, the female lands next to the selected mate. Frigatebirds form monogomas pairs each season.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Pelicaniformes
- Family: Fregatidae
The Family Fregatidae contains the following subgroups:- Genus: Fregata
- Species: Christmas Island frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi)
- Species: Ascension frigatebird (Fregata aquila)
- Species: Lesser frigatebird (Fregata ariel)
- Species: Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)
- Species: Great frigatebird (Fregata minor)
- Genus: Fregata
Where to See
References
- Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 p.
- Howard L. 2003. Family Fregatidae, Animal Diversity Web. June 18, 2006.
- Rothman R. Frigatebirds. TheGalapagos Islands. June 18, 2006.


