Ascension Frigatebird vs Great Frigatebird

Fregata aquila compared with Fregata minor

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Ascension Frigatebird Great Frigatebird
Scientific Name Fregata aquila Fregata minor
Order Suliformes Suliformes
Family Fregatidae Fregatidae
Conservation Status Vulnerable Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 113.7 cm (44.8 in) 113.6 cm (44.7 in)
Weight 1435.0 g (50.62 oz) 1161.1666666666667 g (40.96 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1 1
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Ascension Frigatebird only

None

Great Frigatebird only

None

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Ascension Frigatebird

Least Concern

Great Frigatebird

About These Birds

Ascension Frigatebird

89–96 cm, wingspan 196–200 cm. All-black male; female has white breast and reddish feet. Breeds only on Ascension Island; Vulnerable with fewer than 10,000 birds. Males inflate brilliant red gular pouch to attract mates. Kleptoparasitic; steals fish from other seabirds.

Great Frigatebird

85–105 cm, wingspan 205–230 cm. Male all-black with glossy green sheen; female has white throat and breast with pink orbital ring. Breeds widely across tropical Pacific and Indian Ocean islands. Less kleptoparasitic than Magnificent Frigatebird; takes fish and squid directly.

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