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Frigatebird
Frigatebird
Frigatebird are usually seen soaring high above the ocean or remote islands in a very distinctive silhouette, with their huge outstretched, angular wings and a forked double tail; the whole look is vaguely prehistoric. Adults of the two species that can be seen off Australia are basically black, with males having red gular patches and females usually slightly larger and with more white on the underparts. Frigatebirds apparently feed mainly on flying fish, however, they are better known for their ‘kleptoparasitic’ behavior, where they steal food from other birds. They may harass birds such as boobies, terns and gulls until they drop their catch; the frigatebird then swoops for the regurgitated mess before it hits the ocean. Frigatebirds are magnificent gliders. Their wingspan may be up to 2.3 meters, and a Frigatebird of this size may weigh less than a kilogram.
 
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