Fregatidae Archives - NatureWorks

Fregatidae - Frigatebirds

There are five species of large birds in this family. Frigatebirds are found in tropical and subtropical oceans.

They spend most of their time on the open ocean, coming inland only to breed. They nest on ocean islands or coastal areas.

Frigatebirds are 2.5 to 3.5 feet in length and have a wingspan of around 6 feet. Frigatebirds are black or dark brown and have an unfeathered, expandable gular pouch. In mating season, the gular pouches of males can be bright red.

They have long, hooked bills; long, narrow, pointed wings; and long, forked tails. Females are usually larger than males. Frigate birds eat flying fish, squid, and jellyfish.

Christmas Island Frigatebird
(Fregata andrewsi)

The Christmas Island frigatebird only breeds on Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean. IUCN Redlist Status: Critically Vulnerable
Ascension Frigatebird
(Fregata aquila)

The Ascension Island frigatebird breeds on Boatswainbird Islet, a tiny island off the coast of Ascension Island in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean. It is threatened by feral cats. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
Lesser Frigatebird
(Fregata ariel)

The lesser frigatebird breeds on islands in the Indian Ocean, the west and central Pacific Ocean, and the southern Atlantic Ocean. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
Lesser Frigatebird
(Fregata ariel)

The lesser frigatebird feeds mostly on fish and squid, but it also eats carrion, bird eggs, and chicks. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
Magnificent Frigatebird
(Fregata magnificens)

During breeding season, the magnificent frigatebird is found in coastal Florida and in the tropical Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In the non-breeding season, it is found from the coast of North Carolina south to Florida and west to Texas. The magnificent frigatebird is also found on the coast of California. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
Magnificent Frigatebird
(Fregata magnificens)

In the breeding season, male magnificent frigatebirds inflate their bright red throat pouches to attract a mate. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
Magnificent Frigatebird
(Fregata magnificens)

Female magnificent frigatebirds have white throats and bellies. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
Magnificent Frigatebird
(Fregata magnificens)

Magnificent frigatebird chicks fledge when they are five to six months old, but the female will continue to feed her chick for another four months. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
Great Frigatebird
(Fregata minor)

The great frigatebird is also known as the greater frigatebird. It breeds on isolated islands in the tropical and sub-tropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
Great Frigatebird
(Fregata minor)

Great frigatebird females breed every 2 years. Females lay only one egg. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
Great Frigatebird
(Fregata minor)

Great frigatebirds often share their nesting spots with other birds, like these red-footed boobies. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern