Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)
Breeding on remote Islands like St Giles, the Magnificent Frigatebird is an incredible sight soaring high above the coast line,
or swooping down with great skill only inches above the surface of the water to pluck out fish with it's long powerful beak,
made all the more amazing because should the bird land in the water, it has no way of taking off again and would drown.
With a wing span of seven feet, this huge bird can display aerial dexterity while harassing other Frigatebirds or smaller birds
to disgorge their catch in mid air, then swooping down and catching the falling fish. The male often attracts
his mate by inflating his scarlet throat patch.
photograph courtesy & copyright © Bob Brent, Digital Tobago
