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Frigatebirds (Family Fregatidae)

From Laura Klappenbach,
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Description: Frigatebirds (Family Fregatidae) are large seabirds that spend much of their time at sea (they are therefore referred to as pelagic). Their range includes tropical and subtropical oceans and they nest on remote islands or coastal mangrove forests. Frigatebirds have predominantly iridescent black plumage, long narrow wings, and a forked tail.
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.
Range and Habitat: Tropical and subtropical oceans, oceanic islands, coastal mangrove forests.
Classification:

New to animal classification? Find out more about how scientists classify animals.

Members of the Family Fregatidae: Within the Family Fregatidae, there is one genus and five species:
  • Christmas Island frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi)
  • Ascension frigatebird (Fregata aquila)
  • Lesser frigatebird (Fregata ariel)
  • Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)
  • Great frigatebird (Fregata minor)
Related Stories:

Scientists Follow Frigatebird's 26-Day Journey
On October 18, 2005, Lydia, a Christmas Island Frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi), embarked on a 26-day flight. Scientists from Parks Australia were able to track Lydia's progress using the radio transmitter they had fitted her with, prior to her departure.

Sources:
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