The female frigatebirds are 25% heavier than the males. The largest subspecies, the magnificent frigatebird, can reach a length of 45 inches while the smallest subspecies, the lesser frigatebird, only grows up to 28 inches long; the other three subspecies are closer to the magnificent’s size.

Depending on the species, both genders may have predominantly black feathers with the males displaying their bright red inflatable gular sac on their throat to attract a mate, or the females will have duller colors with white on their head, chest, and stomach.

Frigatebirds are so well-adapted for the air with the largest wing-area-to-body-weight-ratio of any bird and strong pectoral muscles that one was recorded staying in the air for two months! They use their W-shaped tail to steer and rarely flap their wings.

Frigatebirds are part of the seabird family found in any of the tropical and subtropical oceans. There are five subspecies that look for areas with warm updrafts, trade winds, and high food availability. These birds can spend weeks comfortably soaring on wind currents without ever touching land. In fact, some young frigatebirds can travel over 3,500 miles after maturing!

Frigatebirds are carnivorous eating small marine animals while flying. Their diet includes critters such as jellyfish, plankton, squid, and small fish driven to the surface by large predators like dolphinfish. Frigatebirds can easily scoop their prey out of the water using their long, slim hooked bills. In some cases, frigatebirds will harass other birds until they vomit and steal their food.

Mating season can occur at any time of the year, usually around the dry season, where frigatebirds will meet up colonially and the males put on an amazing mating display. After a female has chosen her mate, they will build a nest together where she will lay one large egg. After 1-2 months the chick will hatch and require constant protection from predators for 4-6 weeks.  

To stay cool from the intense sun, the frigatebird will ruffle their feathers to improve circulation, upturn their wings to use evaporation and convection to lose heat, or hide their heads under the shade of their wings.