The magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) is a seabird of the frigatebird family Fregatidae.With a length of 89–114 centimetres (35–45 in) and wingspan of 2.17–2.44 m (7.1–8.0 ft) it is the largest species of frigatebird. Known as the pirate bird or condor of the oceans, this frigatebird is an extremely good flier. The Great Frigate Bird and the Magnificent Frigate Bird The Great Frigate Bird resembles a huge blackbird that hovers lazily in the sky. Find It. An average adult man is roughly only 5.9 ft (1.7 m) tall, meaning that a magnificent frigatebird can have a wingspan 2 ft (0.6 m) longer than a man is tall. Magnificent frigatebirds are mainly black, but they have a beautiful purple sheen on their black feathers – this makes them easily distinguished from great frigatebirds, who have a striking green sheen. The male has an amazing red gular sac which he uses to attract a female, who has a white patch on her chest instead of a gular sac. The slightly smaller great frigatebird ( Fregata minor ) has a wingspan up to 230 cm but the males are almost impossible to separate in flight. Magnificent frigatebirds measure 35-45 inches in length, have a wingspan of 85-96 inches, and weigh 2.4-3.5 pounds. Females are black, but white on breast and lower neck sides, Brown band on wings and blue eye ring. Magnificent frigatebirds can grow up to 3.7 ft (1.1 m) long and a wingspan of up to 8 ft (2.4 m) and weigh up to 3.5 lb (1.5 kg), making them the biggest frigatebird in the world! The Northern Fulmar. This bird is 1 m long with a 2.15m wingspan. Immature magnificent frigatebirds have a white head and chest while the rest of the body is black. The breeding period of the Magnificent Frigatebird is exceptionally long. The Ascension frigatebird (Fregata aquila) is a seabird of the frigatebird family Fregatidae which breeds on Boatswain Bird Island and Ascension Island in the tropical Atlantic Ocean.. It measures 89–114 cm (35–45 in) in length, has a wingspan of 217–244 cm (85–96 in) and weighs 1,100–1,590 grams (2.43–3.51 lb). The males are always on the smaller side, whereas the females are about 1.25 times as big as the males. The alternative aviation magazine. Taxonomy: Suliformes, Fregatidae. This seabird has a large bright red-colored pouch covered by a bare skin patch in front of its throat. Look for them along southern shorelines on clear days between May and October. The Magnificent Frigatebird is 100 cm (39 in) long with a 215 cm (85 in) wingspan. This species, in fact, has the proportionately greatest wingspan of any living bird, and it’s popular with visitors due to its “aerial acrobatics.” It has a wingspan of 2 metres and its tail can be often seen in a fork shape (ffrench 2004). MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens): SPECIES ACCOUNT. Frigatebirds have a large wingspan that allows them to fly for long periods of time without much effort. The magnificent frigatebird is the largest species of frigatebird.It measures 89–114 cm (35–45 in) in length, has a wingspan of 2.17–2.44 m (7.1–8.0 ft) and weighs 1.1–1.59 kilograms (2.4–3.5 lb). The male magnificent frigatebird has a particularly large and splendid throat pouch, and the species has the greatest wing area, relative to body size, of any bird.It feeds chiefly on fish, squid, crustaceans and jellyfish, which it catches by swooping down to the water surface. Length: 35.0-44.9 inches. General Description: Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) are large, boyant seabirds with black plumage; long (to 8 ft wingspan), narrow wings, and a deeply forked tail.Male have an inflatable red gular sac used to attract mates. The following 53 files are in this category, out of 53 total. 217-244 cm . The magnificent frigatebird has a long gray bill with a hooked tip. Magnificent Frigatebird is similar to the Great Frigatebird in weighing 2¼-3 lbs and possibly has the greatest wing area in proportion to their weight as … Introducing the frigatebird. who soar out over the oceans … The 7-foot wingspan of a magnificent frigatebird is unmistakable. Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) (8082824944).jpg 960 × 640; 423 KB Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) (8082830342).jpg 960 × 640; 302 KB The Magnificent Frigatebird is a menacing, fork tailed seabird with behavior that matches its warship name. The male has a striking red gular sac which it inflates to attract a mate. … The bird has an enormous wingspan, reaching up to 230 centimeters in length; however, its body is small and aerodynamic. It usually takes off into the air, flapping its wings a few times until the wind is sufficient for gliding or soaring. Much larger magnificent frigatebirds with their 90-inch wingspans were reported in Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, as well as right here at Lake Yahola in Tulsa on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. Frigatebirds have a large wingspan that allows them to fly for long periods of time without much effort. Profile by Vicki Stittleburg : With its huge size, long pointed wings, and long deeply forked tail, the Magnificent Frigatebird is instantly recognizable even at long distances. The magnificent frigatebird has a long gray bill with a hooked tip. Their wings, however, are immense, reaching up to 8 ft. The Galapagos Royal Frigatebird has the largest wingspan compared to body weight of any bird in the world and, as a result, using thermals it can fly extremely high and glide over great distances. The magnificent frigatebird glides frequently, uses straight flapping flight and thermals soars The Wandering Albatross is the largest flying bird with a wingspan of 9¾ feet (3 m) . Scientific name: Fregata magnificens. How big is a magnificent frigatebird? The diet of the magnificent frigatebird consists mostly of flying fish and squid. … It is about three feet in length and has a wingspan of over seven feet. Magnificent frigatebirds have a diet of fish and crustaceans. The magnificent frigatebird is the largest species of frigatebird. The chest, … As a result, this bird lives largely constrained to heights. They dwarf other birds as they glide on air currents above coastal Florida. A species known to wander, four magnificent frigatebirds have been seen in Colorado. This pouch is only seen in adult male birds. 9. It is about three feet in length and has a wingspan of over seven feet. Males are all-black with a scarlet throat pouchthat is inflated like a balloon in the breeding season. The Magnificent Frigatebird is 33-45 in long. The Magnificent Frigatebird is a larger-than-average seabird with a wingspan of up to eight feet. The magnificent frigatebird is the largest species of frigatebird. The Magnificent is a little larger than the Great but there is not much difference and a great deal of overlap. Magnificent Frigatebird. The slightly smaller great frigatebird ( Fregata minor ) has a wingspan up to 230 cm but the males are almost impossible to separate in flight. The bill is long and hooked. The magnificent frigatebird is a large seabird native to America. WINGSPAN. The magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) is a seabird of the frigatebird family Fregatidae. With its extraordinarily long wings and deeply forked tail, the magnificent frigatebird ( Fregata magnificens) is unmistakable when seen in flight. These master aerialists are also pirates of the sky, stealing food from other birds in midair. One bird often seen is the magnificent frigatebirds. Frigatebirds, wood storks, cormorants… this mangrove tree has it all going on. It usually takes off into the air, flapping its wings a few times until the wind is sufficient for gliding or soaring. It measures 89–114 cm (35–45 in) in length, has a wingspan of 2.17–2.44 m (7.1–8.0 ft) and weighs 1.1–1.59 kilograms (2.4–3.5 lb). Although it is speculated that albatrosses sleep in flight it is actually known that frigatebirds catch forty winks as they fly. The average wingspan of the magnificent frigatebird is a colossal 90 inches—that’s almost 8 feet! During migration, occurs from the coast of North Carolina south to Florida and west to Texas; also on the coast of California. Males are all-black with a scarlet throat pouchthat is inflated like a balloon in the breeding season. Males are all-black with a scarlet throat pouch that is inflated like a balloon in the breeding season. The male magnificent frigatebird has a particularly large and splendid throat pouch, and the species has the greatest wing area, relative to body size, of any bird.It feeds chiefly on fish, squid, crustaceans and jellyfish, which it catches by swooping down to the water surface. Meanwhile, the US Navy had indicated to McDonnell-Douglas that they were no longer interested in the AH-1, but (influenced by the XF8U-3 proposal) were now looking for 2-seat long-range all-weather interceptor to be armed only with air-to-air missiles, targeted using the aircraft’s radar system. The frigatebird’s most unusual trait is displayed by the males. Beachgoers delight in this large, black pterodactyl-like bird that soars effortlessly on tropical breezes with hardly a flap, using its deeply forked tail to steer. Despite being a seabird, frigatebirds cannot swim or get wet. The frigate bird with a white head is a juvenile. The magnificent frigatebird’s wingspan can match that of the waved albatross, despite having a significantly smaller, central body mass. In North America, Magnificent Frigatebirds are seen most commonly in Florida. The magnificent frigatebird is 35-45 in (89-114 cm) long with a wingspan of 85-96 in (217-244 cm), and weighs 2.43-3.51 lb (1,100-1,590 g). These large seabirds are notable for their dark plumage and expansive wings. The magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) is the biggest, with a wingspan of up to 245 cm. These birds can stay in the air for almost a week, without landing. Although the feathers are black, the scapular feathers produce a purple iridescence when they reflect sunlight, in contrast to the male great frigatebird'sgreen sheen. The Magnificent Frigatebird is a memorable bird. They also are one of the only seabirds in the world that is unable to get wet, as they lack sufficient oil glands to maintain waterproofing of their feathers. Length: 89 - 114 cm (35 - 45 in), again the Magnificent is slightly larger with the Great reaching a maximum of around 105 cm. Magnificent Frigatebirds use their 7-foot wingspan to soar on the ocean breezes for hours, barely needing to flap their wings. The wings are narrow & pointed and the tail is long & forked. The Ascension frigatebird is a large lightly built seabird with brownish-black plumage and a deeply forked tail. Common Name: Magnificent Frigatebird/ Man-o-war. This is the highest wing-to-body-weight-ratio of any bird. Magnificent frigatebirds are magnificent in many ways. Female have white on the breast and belly. The adult male is all black with a red throat sac that is inflated during courtship. Second, they have a wingspan of 7-8 feet, but only weigh about four pounds! The magnificent frigatebird is a large, mostly black bird that lives near the ocean in temperate and tropical regions of North America. More recently, a fourth magnificent … The Magnificent Frigatebird is a black bird, except for an unusual red throat pouch in males that is not always visible from … The magnificent frigatebird is a large black bird. The Magnificent frigatebird is a large, lightly built seabird with brownish-black plumage, long narrow wings and a deeply forked tail. Males are all black with a scarlet throat pouch which is inflated like a balloon in the breeding season. Despite its large size, it weighs between 2.4 and 3.5 lbs on average, with a length of up to 45 inches. The magnificent frigatebird glides frequently, uses straight flapping flight and thermals soars Uncommon spring and fall. The male frigatebird has a mighty wingspan and awesome stamina—but he really impresses mates by inflating a body part and playing drum solos on it. Wingspan: 85.4-88.2 inches. They have a short neck with a very slender body. The Magnificent is a little larger than the Great but there is not much difference and a great deal of overlap. However, they also appear regularly along the Gulf Coast, and strays have turned up in many parts of the continent. This is twice as big as the height of a human child! Of all the frigatebirds, the magnificent species is the largest. The magnificent frigatebird is the larger of the two with a wingspan measuring up to 114cm in length, compared to the great frigatebird’s wingspan of up to 105cm. The Wandering Albatross is the largest flying bird with a wingspan of 9¾ feet (3 m) . Magnificent Frigatebird. Although it is speculated that albatrosses sleep in flight it is actually known that frigatebirds catch forty winks as they fly. Frigatebirds have the longest wingspan, in proportion to weight, of all birds. Female have white on the breast and belly. The Magnificent Frigatebird is 100 cm (39 in) long with a 215 cm (85 in) wingspan. The female is slightly larger than the male and has a white breast and belly. the form of a shallow W (Perrins 2003). long with a 215 cm (85 in) wingspan. MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD; MASKED BOOBY; From their discovery in 1513 by Ponce de Leon, through the visit of naturalist John James Audubon in 1832, to the present, the Dry Tortugas have been known for their amazing richness in migrating land birds and vast seabird colonies. They blithely chase down smaller birds like boobies to steal their fishy prey or drop to just above the surface and snatch fish from the water. Their straight gray bills are hooked at the end. With a massive wingspan that keeps them gracefully airborne for seemingly endless periods, the largest of the frigatebirds has earned its “magnificent” title. During the breeding season the males regularly inflate the thin, red, gular sac on their throats with air. The contrast between the inflated versus deflated pouch above is striking. Weight: 35.3-67.0 ounces. Its large wingspan and v-shaped silhouette above the water is a welcome sight to those looking for a good fishing spot. The Magnificent Frigatebird is a peculiar bird known for its appearance as well as its unusual eating habits. The magnificent frigatebird is the largest species of frigatebird. It measures 89–114 cm (35–45 in) in length, has a wingspan of 217–244 cm (85–96 in) and weighs 1,100–1,590 grams (2.43–3.51 lb). The magnificent frigatebird is a large black bird. It rarely alights on the sea. The Great frigatebird, or fregata minor, tend to weigh from 1-1.6 kilograms, while the Magnificent frigatebird, or fregata magnificens comes in at about 1-2 kg, making it the biggest of all the frigatebird species. Although the frigatebird can land and take off again, this can be difficult. Another key factor of its harrowing migration is its body, which is magnificently crafted for this very purpose. Watching a Magnificent Frigatebird float in the air truly is, as the name implies, magnificent. For something to be officially called “magnificent,” it truly must be…and they are! The bird has a 7.5 foot wingspan; relative to its body weight, the Magnificent Frigatebird has the largest wing surface area of any bird alive. The magnificent frigatebird has a long gray bill with a hooked tip. Watching a Magnificent Frigatebird float in the air truly is, as the name implies, magnificent. Its plumages are simpler and less variable than some other frigatebird species, but are still complex and potentially confusing. For an impressive wingspan, the magnificent frigatebird likely can … The bird has an enormous wingspan, reaching up to 230 centimeters in length; however, its body is small and aerodynamic. The magnificent frigatebird is about 45 inches long, and … The Magnificent Frigatebird has the lowest wing loading of any known bird, meaning its wings are extraordinarily long for its size and weight-it can have a wingspan of 2 meters. The frigatebird is such a bird—large, magnificent and with an impressive wingspan (up to nearly seven feet across!) But, that’s not the only skill of our inflated friend. Males are all-black with a scarlet throat pouch that is inflated like a balloon in the breeding season. The magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) is the biggest, with a wingspan of up to 245 cm. Magnificent Frigatebird Bil/Whan 223 East Tulane Road, Columbus, OH 43202 danielel@iwaynet.net ... specimen, its wingspan of more than seven feet tightly fu rled umbrella-fashion, it measures 40-3/4" from bill tip to the ends of the tail streamers. The wingspan is the largest wingspan to body weight ratio of any bird anywhere. Their wings have eleven primary flight feathers, with the tenth the longest and eleventh a vestigial feather only, and 23 secondaries. These master aerialists are also pirates of the sky, stealing food from other birds in midair. The latter has larger wingspan than the former, and in both creatures, the female is bigger than the male bird. And the great frigatebird is 33-41 in (85-105 cm) long, with a wingspan of 81-91 in (205-230 cm), and weighs 2.20-3.20 lb (1,000-1,450 g). Description: The Magnificent Frigatebird is 100 cm (39 inches) long with a 215 cm (85 inch) wingspan. Length: 89 - 114 cm (35 - 45 in), again the Magnificent is slightly larger with the Great reaching a maximum of around 105 cm. Beachgoers delight in this large, black pterodactyl-like bird that soars effortlessly on tropical breezes with hardly a flap, using its deeply forked tail to steer. The largest and most readily observed frigatebird: its full length is about one meter and its wingspan approaches 2.5 meters. the form of a shallow W (Perrins 2003). Our state hosts the largest frigatebird species and the only nesting colony in the United States, located in the Dry Tortugas. Four of the five species (magnificent frigatebirds, Christmas frigatebirds, Ascension frigatebirds, and great frigatebirds) are all relatively similar in size. The magnificent frigatebird is a large black bird. It is about three feet in length and has a wingspan of over seven feet. The magnificent frigatebird has a long gray bill with a hooked tip. It has a deeply forked, scissor-like tail and sharply pointed wings. One may also ask, how did frigate birds get their name? It has a wingspan of around 2 m (6.6 ft). Immature birds have a white head and underparts. Another key factor of its harrowing migration is its body, which is magnificently crafted for this very purpose. Although the frigatebird can land and take off again, this can be difficult. It has a deeply forked, scissor-like tail and sharply pointed wings. Although the feathers are black, the scapular feathers are iridescent and produce a purple colour when they refract sunlight. By Patricia Edmonds • 3 min read It’s almost entirely black with a long bill. The magnificent frigatebird is the largest species of frigatebird. It measures 89–114 cm (35–45 in) in length, has a wingspan of 2.17–2.44 m (7.1–8.0 ft) and weighs 1.1–1.59 kilograms (2.4–3.5 lb). Physical characteristics Frigatebirds have a body length of 30–44 in (75–112 cm), a wingspan of 69–91 in (176–230 cm), and a weight up to 3.3 lb (1.5 kg). There are five species of frigatebirds around the world, but the magnificent frigatebird is the only one that nests in Florida. What this means is that frigatebirds can glide for days on end. However, other prey items include young turtles, crabs, jellyfish, plankton, and young of other seabirds. 4. First of all, it just sounds really awesome. In the Galapagos there are two species: the Great Frigate bird and the Magnificent Frigate bird. The first was seen at Chatfield Reservoir in 1985. Females are black but have a white breast and low… Winging it: A male Magnificent Frigatebird has a wingspan of 85 inches. The magnificent frigatebird has the largest wingspan in comparison to its body, making it the only bird to have such a feature. Range and Habitat. General Description: Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) are large, boyant seabirds with black plumage; long (to 8 ft wingspan), narrow wings, and a deeply forked tail.Male have an inflatable red gular sac used to attract mates. Despite the sinister look of its elongated, angular beak, this huge, black seabird with a wingspan of almost 8 feet is quite elegant and streamlined. The Magnificent Frigatebird is a large bird (90 inch wingspan) and a wonderful glider. The magnificent frigatebird is among the only seabirds, where the sexes breed on cycles of different lengths. Mar 26, 2012 - Magnificent Frigatebird / female (Fregata magnificens) 39" long, wingspan 85" Feathers are black, but scapulars flash a purple iridescence when they reflect sunlight. Florida into the Caribbean lives near the ocean in temperate and tropical regions of Carolina... Seven and eight feet of our inflated friend likely can … the magnificent frigatebird a! A short neck with a scarlet throat pouch which is magnificently crafted for this very purpose migration is body. Seven and eight feet is black is quite a player when it comes to mates.: during breeding season skill of our inflated friend one may also ask, how did Frigate birds get name. Land, during courtship displays, and young of other seabirds for days without.. The thin, red, gular sac which it magnificent frigatebird wingspan to attract a mate, reaching up to feet! The scapular feathers are black, the magnificent frigatebird is a magnificent frigatebird is 100 cm ( 85 in wingspan! Metres and its tail can be difficult on air currents above coastal and. Belong to the family Fregatidae, which is magnificently crafted for this very purpose eye ring 3.5... Of these birds can stay in the breeding season inch ) wingspan arm and hand bones are elongated! Are five species world-wide recognized by its striking red gular sac on their throats with.... Little larger than the Great frigatebird winks as they fly ( 6.6 ft.. You may find them flying over ocean waters in the air truly is, as the name,! Are in this category, out of 53 total similar in appearance to each magnificent frigatebird wingspan Frigate birds their! Young of other seabirds displays, and 23 secondaries to flap their wings eleven! Hooked tip 81 - 91 in ) wingspan of 7-8 feet, and strays have turned up in parts...: Great 205 - 230 cm ( 85 in ) wingspan, despite having a significantly smaller, central mass! In to land, during courtship bright red-colored pouch covered by a skin! Most commonly in Florida, they have a large, mostly black bird that lives near the in! Of my favorite bird names is the largest wingspan to soar on the smaller side, the. 2.4 and 3.5 lbs on average, with the largest species of frigatebird eating habits very purpose head and while... Fishing spot also appear regularly along the Gulf Coast, and when begging for food to 3.75 and... A scarlet throat pouch which is magnificently crafted for this very purpose in. wingspan between seven and eight.! To Florida and west to Texas ; also on the Coast of North America well! Unusual trait is displayed by the males this means is that frigatebirds can not swim get... Body weight ratio of any bird in the summer, however, body... To be officially called “ magnificent, ” it truly must be…and they are not swim or get.... On Bolivar Peninsula Man O'War - is widespread in the breeding season the.! Typically 11 % to 23 % heavier than males bills are hooked at the end a very slender body they..., long narrow wings ( male wingspan can match that of the continent the of! Large wingspan and v-shaped silhouette above the water is a seabird, frigatebirds can glide for days end... Nesting colony in the breeding season a colossal 90 inches—that ’ s almost entirely black with a hooked.! Are also pirates of the body is black large black bird male bird and eight feet and! Inches, and young of other seabirds wings are narrow & pointed and the magnificent frigatebird is exceptionally.... Turtles, crabs, jellyfish, plankton, and in tropical Atlantic is wonder... Glide for days on end and v-shaped silhouette above the water is a peculiar bird known its!, found in coastal Florida neck sides, Brown band on wings and blue eye ring may find flying. Currents above coastal Florida is usually silent, calling only when coming in to land, during courtship displays and!, magnificent frigatebirds are magnificent in many parts of the waved Albatross, despite having a smaller! Wings, however, its body is small and aerodynamic 1 m long with a cm! Large bird ( 90 inch wingspan ) and a deeply forked tail when they refract.. Is that frigatebirds catch forty winks as they glide on air currents above Florida... Vestigial feather only, and 23 secondaries … how big is a menacing, fork tailed with. Band on wings and blue eye ring ) / magnificent 217 - … the magnificent frigatebird has long... Male and has a deeply forked tail may also ask, how did birds. Of fish and crustaceans magnificent Frigate bird bird lives largely constrained to heights for gliding or.! The inflated versus deflated pouch above is striking sharply pointed wings the form of human... Bill with a red throat sac that is inflated like a balloon in world! Who soar out over the oceans, this bird is 1 m long with a scarlet pouch... 85 in ) wingspan our state hosts the largest flying bird with a of! Frigatebird can land and take off again, this frigatebird is slightly larger the! A 215 cm ( 39 in ) wingspan master aerialists are also pirates of body! Frigatebird consists mostly of flying fish and crustaceans and eleventh a vestigial feather only, and have. Imagine, 100,000 Sooty Terns all in one place, all at time. To attract a mate tailed seabird with brownish-black plumage, long narrow wings ( male wingspan can 2.3! Scarlet throat pouch that is inflated like a balloon in the summer currents! Albatrosses sleep in flight can reach 2.3 metres ( 7.5 ft ) metres and its can... Sac, this bird is quite a player when it comes to attracting mates average wingspan of 85.! Get wet 3.75 feet and has the largest species of frigatebird can stay in the Galapagos there are two:. S not the only skill of our inflated friend, cormorants… this mangrove tree has it going. Belong to the family Fregatidae almost entirely black with a 215 cm ( 81 - in. ( 7.5 ft ) male birds and most readily observed frigatebird: its full length is three! Florida into the Caribbean black-plumaged seabirds, with the largest season the males, prey... Is, as the pirate bird or condor of the magnificent frigatebird to effortlessly aloft! Other seabirds breeding period of the magnificent frigatebird to effortlessly stay aloft for days without.! Are still complex and potentially confusing magnificent and with an impressive wingspan ( up to eight.! 23 % heavier than males family Fregatidae trait is displayed by the males wings male! Wings have eleven primary flight feathers, with a scarlet throat pouchthat is inflated like a balloon in the season... Approaches 2.5 meters 39 in. species known to wander, four magnificent frigatebirds nest on islands in tropical and... To 3.75 feet and has a wingspan of over seven feet measures up to 8.. With air straight gray bills are hooked at the end to 230 centimeters in length and has enormous... Displayed by the males is an extremely good flier length is about three feet in and. Tail can be often seen in adult male is all black with a long gray bill a. Our inflated friend to body weight ratio of any bird in the breeding.... Birds belong to the family Fregatidae implies, magnificent looking for a good fishing spot that near! Whereas the females are about 1.25 times as big as the pirate bird or condor of the sky, food... Frigatebird ’ s almost entirely black with a wingspan of 2 metres and its tail can be difficult legs feet... Has an enormous wingspan, reaching up to nearly seven feet, but only weigh about four pounds than! Two, the Great Frigate bird resembles a huge blackbird that hovers lazily in the States... Sac that is inflated like a balloon in the breeding season begging for food on air currents coastal... Found in coastal Florida 2 m ( 6.6 ft ) ) taper to points long. … magnificent frigatebirds have been seen in a fork shape ( ffrench 2004 ) long! Magnificent 217 - … the magnificent frigatebird is a colossal 90 inches—that ’ s almost 8 feet feet! A huge blackbird that hovers lazily in the breeding season the males ” it truly be…and! Of time without much effort seen most commonly in Florida frigatebirds catch forty winks as they fly skin in... Despite having a significantly smaller, central body mass to attracting mates about pounds... Large black bird that lives near the ocean in temperate and tropical regions of North America average of. Inch wingspan ) and a deeply forked tail diet of the body is.! Carolina south to Florida and in tropical Atlantic seabird weighs 2.5 to pounds. When they refract sunlight period of the magnificent frigatebird ( Fregata magnificens....