Magnificent frigatebird

ONE MIGHT BE FORGIVEN FOR thinking that pterodactyls had been de-extincted upon first sighting the silhouette of a magnificent frigatebird.

- BY RICHARD PALLARDY

Boasting a wingspan of more than 2m, the bird cuts an imposing figure as it cruises coastal America looking for prey. While humans have nothing to fear, other seabirds would be well-advised to keep an eye peeled - frigatebirds are notorious thieves and won't hesitate to steal a catch rather than do the work.

What do they look like?

Adult magnificent frigatebirds are a glossy jet black. Their wings are long and angular and their tails are forked, though the fork may sometimes be closed in flight. The males are slicked with purple iridescence on their shoulders and sport bright red gular pouches on their throats, which they inflate as part of their breeding displays. They have black or grey feet. Females have white breasts and shoulders, and pink feet. Juveniles are brown with white heads and breasts. The bird's long beak is hooked at the tip to assist with gripping prey. Despite their apparent size in the air, they weigh just 1-1.4kg at maturity.

Where do magnificent frigatebirds live?

They patrol the coastal regions of North and South America, ranging from California to Ecuador in the Pacific and Florida to Brazil in the Atlantic. Vagrants are occasionally recorded as far inland as the Midwest following severe storms.

Are their flight patterns unique?