#frigatebirds

Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens

Most soaring birds rely on thermals-- updrafts of warm wind-- to keep them airborne. However, the great frigatebird doesn't need to use thermals to glide over the ocean! When entering areas without wind, these birds will intentionally fly into clouds, which contain thermals that can elevate them to an altitude of nearly 4 km (13,000 ft)!

(Image: A female great frigatebird (Fregata minor) by Dick Daniels)

A male magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) shows off its gular sac midflight in St Petersberg, Florida, USA

Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) (juvenile)

Part of a collection of watercolors by "M. Rabié" for St. Domingue Oiseaux. Dated 1766.

Photo: Peter Swaine

"Massive seabird of warm tropical oceans and coastlines. Overall black with extremely long, deeply forked tail and angular wings. Male completely black with inflatable red pouch on throat (not seen away from breeding colonies) and bluish eyering. Adult female has white chest and golden bar on shoulder. Young birds have white head and breast. Often soars for long periods and flies with slow wingbeats. Steals food from other seabirds. Surprisingly acrobatic during aerial chases despite its large size."

Fly, my pretties...