The magnificent frigatebird, also called the hurricane bird or the Man O' War bird, spends almost all of its life in the air. Landing in mangroves only to nest, this seabird is usually seen alone or in pairs, soaring offshore or drifting in to circle above the barrier islands of the Gulf Coast or Baja; during the breeding season, they gather in colonies on remote, mangrove keys. On occasion, they are seen inland, especially after tropical storms pass through the region.
Easily recognized by its long, thin wings (held in a bent position), long, hooked bill and long, forked tail, the frigatebird has the greatest wing span per body weight of any bird, including the albatross. Indeed, its 90 inch wing span is more than twice as long as its length from bill to tail. Males are solid black except for a red-orange throat pouch which expands during the mating season; females are also black but have a white chest.
Unable to take flight from the ground, frigatebirds must land on trees or cliffs which permit them to sail away and return to the air. Neither can they take off from the surface of the ocean; rather, they deftly pick fish and shrimp from the waves, catch flying fish in mid air or harass other seabirds until they release their catch (gulls, terns, pelicans, boobies and ospreys are all common robbery victims). More comfortable in the sky than anywhere else, frigate-birds are able to sleep as they soar above the ocean. Oh, to have that ability for a day!
