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Animal profile

Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

AvesTropical and subtropical coasts and open ocean, nesting in mangroves and coastal shrubsLeast Concern

Field profile

The magnificent frigatebird is a large seabird with long angular wings, a deeply forked tail, and in males an inflatable scarlet throat pouch. It soars for long periods over tropical seas and nests colonially in mangroves. It feeds at the surface and by harassing other seabirds.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2023-02-24

Magnificent Frigatebird

The frigatebird cannot land on the sea

A frigatebird spends most of its life over open ocean but has almost no waterproofing and very small feet. It cannot take off from the surface, so it must snatch food while flying, or take it from a bird that has already caught some.

Read with evidence →

Magnificent Frigatebird | Daily Animal Facts