Frigate Song

Flippin' Frigates

Frigate birds are sort of like the predatory birds of the NWHI. Many, especially juveniles and adult females, exhibit kleptoparasitism - they steal other birds' catch. They harass all the other seabirds when they return to the island, as they are usually coming back with a full belly to feed their chick. Frigate birds also tend to molest other birds for fun times, possibly. The males develop a bright red, blood-engulfed throat sac during mating season to attract his mate, and make awesome vocalizations. Females pick males - usually the ones with the best nest and biggest/brightest throat patches get lucky. Then, both parents tend to the egg and chick, feeding the chick for over a year!



A male courting a flying female:





A juvenile:








On especially windy days, frigate birds ride the thermals: