Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Fregata andrewsi
Family: Frigatebirds · Status: Very rare visitor · Size: 92–102 cm · Conservation: Vulnerable
Breeds on Christmas Island; non-breeders wander widely across the seas of Southeast Asia to Indochina and south to northern Australia.
Male has overall blackish plumage with contrasting white belly patch and red gular pouch. Female has black hood with white on the rest of underparts and black bar extending from base of forewing to side of breast. Juvenile resembles female but has rufous to brownish white head and black breast-band.
Open seas and islets; occasionally strays inland. Recorded at Straits of Singapore, Sungei Buloh and National Stadium.
Typically seen soaring aimlessly in small groups, often following ships.