Great Frigatebird Photo Gallery

Adult male

A large seabird with long, narrow, pointed wings and a long, forked tail that appears pointed when closed. In flight, adult male appears almost entirely black.

Female

Female has a white breast, contrasting with the otherwise dark plumage.

Adult male and female

A large, long-winged seabird with a long, hooked bill. Female is larger and has a white breast. Male is all dark below, except for an inflatable red air sac used in courtship displays.

Immature

Immature has mostly white head, neck, and breast.

Adult male

Adult male inflates large red throat pouch (gular sac) during courtship displays.

Immature

Immature has mostly white head, neck, and breast. In flight, note long, narrow, M-shaped wings and long, forked tail.

Juvenile

Juvenile has cinnamon-colored head and breast.

Adult male

Long, hooked bill is used to pluck flying fish and squid from just below the ocean surface.

Flock

Often soars in loose groups, with birds taking advantage of thermal updrafts or strong winds to stay aloft for hours with only occasional wingbeats.

Female

Soars for hours or even days with only occasional deep wingbeats.

Female

Long, pointed wings form a large, open “M” in flight.