FRIGATEBIRDS

Magnificent Frigatebird, Fregata magnificens

Family Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)

Size: 40"

Season: Summer

Habitat: Gulf Coast

The Magnificent Frigatebird can be seen soaring effortlessly for hours, high in the air off the coast. To feed, it skims the surface of the water in flight to snatch fish, or may steal food from other seabirds. It has long, slender wings and a deeply forked tail. The bill is long and hooked. Males are black overall with a curious red throat patch that can be inflated like a balloon. Females have a white belly and sides. The illustration shows an adult female.