Frigatebird
A large tropical seabird in the family Fregatidae, distinguished by long wings, deeply forked tails, and males’ inflatable red throat pouches.
Dynamic soaring: A flight technique that extracts energy from wind gradients to sustain fast, efficient soaring. Frigatebirds use wind gradients above the sea to remain aloft for exceptionally long periods.
Fregatidae: The seabird family comprising the five extant species of frigatebirds. This is the taxonomic family to which every frigatebird belongs.
Animal tracking: The monitoring of animals’ movements using devices such as satellite transmitters or geolocators. Tracking has exposed the long-distance routes and soaring behavior of frigatebirds.
Albatross: A large oceanic seabird known for long-distance gliding and a notably wide wingspan. Both soar over the ocean, but albatrosses can land and feed on the water more readily.
Kleptoparasitism: An animal’s acquisition of food by stealing it from another animal. Frigatebirds often harass other seabirds until they release captured prey.
Magnificent frigatebird: A widespread frigatebird species of tropical Atlantic and Pacific waters, with a distinctive red throat pouch in males. It is a familiar species illustrating the family’s characteristic size and display.
Migration: Seasonal movement of animals between regions, often linked to breeding or resource availability. Some frigatebird populations travel widely between breeding colonies and feeding grounds.
Gannet: A large seabird that plunge-dives to catch fish, with long pointed wings and a streamlined body. Gannets dive directly for prey, unlike frigatebirds, which cannot safely plunge into water.
Gular pouch: A flexible throat sac found in some animals, used for display, feeding, or heat regulation. The male frigatebird’s enlarged red gular pouch is its signature courtship display.
Frigatebird anatomy: The physical structures of frigatebirds, including their long wings, forked tails, and reduced feet. Their body plan supports soaring flight but makes landing and walking awkward.