Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

ORDER: Suliformes

FAMILY: Fregatidae

Description

A huge, black, angular seabird with a deeply forked tail and a seven-foot wingspan, hanging almost motionless over the Gulf. Males show a scarlet throat pouch. A pirate at heart, the frigatebird harasses other seabirds into dropping their catch, then snatches it in midair.

Location

Texas

Habitat

Gulf coast and offshore waters

Season

mostly warm months along the Texas coast

Size

~40 in / 102 cm, wingspan ~7.5 ft

Diet

fish and squid snatched from the surface

Conservation Status

Least Concern