The great frigatebird (Fregata minor) is a type of sea bird and one of the five species of frigatebird. They are well known for the sac which males inflate only during the breeding season. It is almost found in all tropical oceans. They are rated as least concern by IUCN.
Physical Features
The great frigate bird is a relatively large sea bird with a black body. They measure about 80 to 108 cm from their rather forked like shaped beak till their pointed tail. They have a wingspan of 230 cm or less. Females are larger than males. Great frigatebirds are light birds weighing upto 1 kilogram. Only males have a red gular sac which they inflate during the breeding season. Males have a purplish green shine on their wings and females have a white throat and breast.
Diet
The great frigatebird mainly feed on flying fish and small squids. Great frigatebirds always dives and scoops its prey out of the water. Their diet even consists of tuna and other fish. Sometimes, these frigatebirds even chase other sea birds like boobies to steal their prey. Only females will hunt like this and mainly females do the job of getting food for their young and others.
Distribution
The great frigatebird is found in almost all tropical seas. The highest population is found in the islands of the Pacific ocean. Hawaii is the northmost extent of their range in the Pacific ocean.
Source of picture 1:http://www.kiwifoto.com/galleries/video/great_frigatebird/
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