Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

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Brief #

Males are all-black with a scarlet throat pouch, females have white on breast.

Synonyms #

  • Rabihorcado magnífico (Spanish)
  • Rabiforcado (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Magnificent Frigatebird is unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

Males are all-black with a scarlet throat pouch that is inflated like a balloon in the breeding season. Although the feathers are black, the scapular feathers produce a purple iridescence when they reflect sunlight, in contrast to the male great frigatebird's green sheen. Females are black but have a white breast and lower neck sides, a brown band on the wings, and a blue eye-ring that is diagnostic of the female of the species. Immature birds have a white head and underparts.

Measurements #

Length: 0.89 - 1.14 m
Wingspan: 2.17 - 2.44 m
Weight: 1.1 - 1.59 kg