The Magnificent Frigatebird was sometimes previously known as Man O'War, reflecting its rakish lines, speed, and aerial piracy of other birds.
It spends days and nights on the wing, with an average ground speed of 10 km/hour, covering 223±208 km before landing. They alternately climb in thermals, to altitudes occasionally as high as 2500 m, and descend to near the sea surface . The only other bird known to spend days and nights on the wing is the Common Swift.
A scientific.. more
Similar species: Cormorants And Frigatebirds
By TristanV
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Uploaded Jun 5, 2014. Captured Mar 31, 2012 17:13 in Ecuador.
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"Soaring above the warm oceans and coastlines of the tropical Americas, the Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) is a master of staying aloft. These large birds make soaring appear effortless as they gain heights of up to 2,500 meters (~8,200 ft) and glide for more than 35 miles without flapping their wings once! But, one thing you’ll never see is a frigatebird floating on the ocean. They are unique among aquatic birds in that their feathers are not waterproof, so they can't rest on the water. Frigatebirds, although they are adept at fishing, are well known kleptoparasites. They casually chase down and harass smaller birds in flight until they regurgitate whatever fish they've eaten, which the frigatebird then steals in an act of aerial piracy.
These birds do make an exception to land for breeding season, when they congregate at mating sites where the males will dramatically inflate and display their large, red gular sacs. They twist, turn, assume awkward positions, vibrate their wings, and make loud noises - anything to prove to a female that they are the ideal mate. Once a female inspects and chooses a male, they will remain monogamous for the season. So, while most of the lives of these intriguing birds is spent soaring in the clouds where they ride the atmospheric roller coaster, they do hop off now and then to eat and mate. {Spotted in Ecuador by JungleDragon user, TristanV} #JungleDragon"
Posted one year ago