The magnificent frigate on the 1986 postage stamp of Ecuador
The magnificent frigate is a rather large bird, its size can reach 102 cm, and its wingspan is from 217 to 229 cm. It weighs from 1.1 to 1.6 kg. This species has a long and forked tail . Narrow and long wings form the letter W in flight. The plumage is brilliantly black; the females have a white strip on the underside of the body. The plumage of young birds is white on the head and on the stomach, and on the upper side of the body is brown-black with light brown strokes. Adult plumage appears only at the age of four to six years. Due to the fact that the plumage does not tear away water, magnificent frigates almost do not swim. Males have a red throat sac that inflates like a balloon during the mating season. The paws are short, and four fingers crowned with strong claws are connected to each other by small membranes. Due to the fact that the paws are short and weak, a magnificent frigate cannot walk on the ground, but only stay on the branches. But in the air element this bird is a real ace, able to perform acrobatic maneuvers and soar for hours without flapping wings. Able to fly for many days without landing.
The magnificent frigate lives on the Pacific coast of Central and South America from Baja California to Ecuador , including the Galapagos Islands . These birds can also be found on the Atlantic coast of South America from Florida to southern Brazil . In the Western Palearctic, there are relic populations, including on the islands of Cape Verde . Their number is estimated at only ten individuals. In Europe, a magnificent frigate is an extremely rare guest, falling on the European coast due to storms and bad weather. Recent observations of magnificent frigates in the UK date back to 1998 .
During the mating season, the males sit on the branches and demonstrate their bright puffed-up throat bag, accompanied by a loud cry. Both parents are involved in building the nest , hatching eggs and feeding the chicks. The nest is located on mangrove trees, bushes or cacti , less often on the ground. One white egg is laid, which incubates for 40-50 days. At the age of 5-6 months, the chick learns to fly, but his parents continue to feed him for about six months. The lifespan of magnificent frigates can reach 26 years.
Egg
Fregata magnificens -
Toulouse Museum The magnificent frigate feeds on fish and koleoidey , which he catches from a flight at the surface of the water. He also sometimes attacks other seabirds , forces them to drop their prey and catches it in the air. On land, he preys on young turtles , as well as on eggs and chicks of other birds.
