Lesser Frigatebird

Fregata ariel

Family: Frigatebirds · Status: Very rare visitor · Size: 71–81 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds in tropical and subtropical Indian, Pacific and south Atlantic Oceans; non-breeders wander widely to the coastal seas of the southern Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Identification

Male has overall blackish plumage with prominent whitish patches extending from side of body to inner underwing-coverts and red gular pouch. Female has black hood and belly with white on the rest of underparts, extending in axillary spur onto inner underwing-coverts. Juvenile resembles female but has rufous to brownish white head, white belly and black breast-band. Apart from size, difficult to distinguish from juvenile Christmas Frigatebird but possibly has narrower black breast-band.

Habitat

Open seas; recorded at Changi Ferry Terminal, Marina Barrage and Straits of Singapore.

Behaviour

Catches flying fish in mid-flight and harasses other seabirds to force them to disgorge their catch, caught in mid-air.