Lesser Frigatebird vs Magnificent Frigatebird
Fregata ariel compared with Fregata magnificens
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Frigatebird | Magnificent Frigatebird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Fregata ariel | Fregata magnificens |
| Order | Suliformes | Suliformes |
| Family | Fregatidae | Fregatidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 102.6 cm (40.4 in) | 128.4 cm (50.6 in) |
| Weight | 803.75 g (28.35 oz) | 1498.6666666666667 g (52.86 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 1 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Lesser Frigatebird
Least Concern
Magnificent Frigatebird
About These Birds
Lesser Frigatebird
71–81 cm, wingspan 175–193 cm. Smallest frigatebird; male all-black with white axillary spurs; female has white breast and spurs. Breeds Indian Ocean and western Pacific tropical islands. Kleptoparasitic and pursuit-feeds on flyingfish; brilliant red gular sac inflated at display.
Magnificent Frigatebird
89–114 cm, wingspan 217–244 cm. All-black male with glossy purple-green; red gular pouch; female has white breast. Breeds on tropical Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Americas. The largest frigatebird; highly kleptoparasitic. Cannot land on water; soars on thermals for hours.