Great frigatebird

Fregata minor

The great frigatebird (Fregata minor) is a large seabird in the frigatebird family.

Family: Frigatebirds Order: Suliformes Conservation: Least Concern

About the Great frigatebird

The great frigatebird (Fregata minor) is a large seabird in the frigatebird family. There are major nesting populations in the tropical Pacific Ocean, such as Hawaii and the Galápagos Islands; in the Indian Ocean, colonies can be found in the Seychelles (on Aldabra and Aride Islands) and Mauritius, and there is a tiny population in the South Atlantic, mostly on and around St. Helena and Boatswain Bird Island (Ascension Island). The great frigatebird is a large and lightly built seabird up to 105 cm long with predominantly black plumage. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism; the female is larger than the adult male and has a white throat and breast, and the male's scapular feathers have a purple-green sheen. In the breeding season, the male is able to distend his striking red gular sac. T

Fun Facts About Great frigatebird

They feed in pelagic waters within 80 km (50 mi) of their breeding colony or roosting areas.
The great frigatebird is a large and lightly built seabird up to 105 cm long with predominantly black plumage.
In the breeding season, the male is able to distend his striking red gular sac.
There are major nesting populations in the tropical Pacific Ocean, such as Hawaii and the Galápagos Islands; in the Indian Ocean, colonies can be found in the Seychelles (on Aldabra and Aride Islands) and Mauritius, and there is a tiny population in the South Atlantic, mostly on and around St.
The species feeds on fish taken in flight from the ocean's surface (mostly flying fish), and indulges in kleptoparasitism less frequently than other frigatebirds.

Conservation Status

The Great frigatebird is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Order	Suliformes
Family	Frigatebirds
Genus	Fregata
Species	Fregata minor

Range & Habitat