magnificent frigate bird
Quick Summary
The magnificent frigate bird (Fregata magnificens) is a large seabird found in tropical and subtropical waters, particularly along the coasts of the Americas and in the Caribbean Sea. These birds are known for their impressive wingspan, which can reach nearly 8 feet, and a deeply forked tail. Adult males are all black, while females have white undersides. A distinctive feature is the male's inflatable red throat pouch, used for courtship displays. Frigate birds are highly aerial, spending most of their time soaring effortlessly and rarely landing on water due to insufficient waterproofing. They are skilled at snatching fish from the air or surface, and are also known to steal food from other seabirds.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
