Latin Etymology: Fregata ("frigate") magnificens ("grand")
Colony of Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025
Featured Subspecies: Fregata magnificens rothschildi
Weight: 1.1-1.5/kg / Length: 89-114cm / Wingspan: 2.1-2.4m
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern
An extremely distinctive curiousity of a bird - the Magnificent Frigatebird is the largest, most famous and widespread of the frigatebirds. Perhaps best known for the males possessing a bright red inflatable throat balloon that they use for mating displays. They also are one of the fastest birds in the world capable of moving up to 153km/h. Their feeding habits are a mix of catching fish from the water and using their speed, size and power to kleptoparasitise other seabirds, forging them to regurgitate their own catches.
Related Species:
Order: Suliformes
Family: Fregatidae
Genus: Fregata
SUBSPECIES: F. m. magnificens, F. m. rothschildi
- Sighting Locations -
Found around both coasts
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles
Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto
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