The lesser frigatebird is a seabird of the frigatebird family Fregatidae. At around 75 cm (30 in) in length, it is the smallest species of frigatebird. It occurs over tropical and subtropical waters across the Indian and Pacific Oceans as well as off the Atlantic coast of Brazil.
Region
Indo-Pacific tropics
Typical Environment
Occurs widely over tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, ranging far offshore over pelagic waters. Breeds colonially on remote oceanic islands, often where there are shrubs, trees, or low vegetation suitable for nesting. Forages above open seas, convergence zones, and near schools of predatory fish that drive prey to the surface. It is an occasional visitor to the tropical Atlantic off Brazil. Generally avoids high latitudes and remains associated with warm waters.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Lesser frigatebirds are master aerialists that can remain aloft for days, rarely landing on the water because their plumage is not well waterproofed. Males display an inflatable red gular sac during courtship, performing rattling calls and wing-spreading displays. They often practice kleptoparasitism, harassing other seabirds to force them to drop prey. Parents provide prolonged care to a single chick, sometimes for over a year.
Fregata ariel - MHNT
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies on oceanic islands, typically nesting in bushes or low trees. Pairs form for the season and attend a single egg, with an exceptionally long chick-rearing period. Away from colonies they are mostly solitary or loosely associated in feeding aggregations. Courtship involves aerial displays, bill-rattling, and the male’s gular sac inflation.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Usually silent at sea, but vocal at colonies. Calls include rattles, chatters, and drumming sounds associated with displays, along with low croaks and whistles. Females and juveniles give harsher chatter during interactions at the nest.
Plumage
Males are glossy black with a metallic sheen and display a red inflatable throat pouch in breeding season. Females are blackish above with a contrasting white breast that may extend onto the belly, and a dark breast-band can be evident. Juveniles show a white head and underparts with darker wings and back. All ages have very long, angular wings and a deeply forked tail.
Diet
Takes small fish (especially flying fish) and squid snatched from or just above the surface without landing. Frequently associates with schools of tuna and other large fish that drive prey to the surface. Also practices kleptoparasitism, pursuing terns and boobies to steal their catch. Rarely, it will scavenge or seize offal behind vessels.
Preferred Environment
Feeds over warm pelagic waters, convergence lines, and areas of upwelling. Often forages near colonies and along coastal shelves but spends most time far offshore. Avoids landing on the sea surface, instead seizing prey in flight.
