Galapagos birdwatching frigate birds

The Frigatebirds, also called Man O'War, are sea birds that are virtually not waterproof! What a contradiction! They are large (almost 6 feet/1.8 m. wingspan), lightweight and have a long, hooked beak to catch fish without getting wet. Frigates have an easier way to get food: stealing from other birds, specially red-footed boobies (this is, naturally, a survival strategy). And when it is time to raise a family, they settle in others' nests, or abscond with some sticks.

Male frigates have shiny green or purple plumage (depending on the species) and a resplendent scarlet pouch, which is displayed in courtship. There are two species of frigates in Galapagos: The Magnificent Frigate Bird and the Great Frigate Bird. Their main nesting colonies are found in Genovesa (Tower) and North Seymour Islands.

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)

The largest of the two frigate birds found in Galapagos measured 1.10 m long and had a wingspan of 2.45 m. The male is entirely black with a purplish sheen on its back and a red goular pouch, which is only visible during the breeding season. The female has white breast and shoulders, but is otherwise completely black.
Best viewed: North Seymour, Floreana, Isabela, San Cristobal and Genovesa.