AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Fregata magnificens
Magnificent Frigatebird
(Mathews, 1914)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Large seabird with long pointed wings and a deeply forked tail. It spends most of its life flying over the ocean.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Rabihorcado magníficoTijereta de marTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Suliformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Fregatidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Fregata
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Mathews, 1914)
Record Completeness
51%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Increasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Coastal areas, oceanic islands, mangroves, and tropical and subtropical open ocean.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
They fly for days or weeks without landing, utilizing ascending thermal currents. They avoid getting wet because their feathers absorb water.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
They nest in large, noisy colonies, often in mangroves and alongside other seabird species such as boobies.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Opportunistic piscivore and kleptoparasite.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Apex aerial predator feeding mainly on flying fish (caught mid-air when escaping marine predators), squid, and jellyfish.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Extremely prolonged parental care; the female may continue to feed the juvenile for up to a year, preventing her from breeding annually.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
89.0 - 114.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
1.10 kg - 1.60 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
5 - 9 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
50 - 51
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males15 - 35 Years
Females15 - 35 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Completely black plumage with a bright red gular pouch that inflates like a balloon during courtship.
Females Multi-lang
Slightly larger than the male, black plumage but with a noticeable white patch on the breast and lower neck.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Non-waterproof plumage prevents them from landing on water; instead, they snatch prey in flight or steal from other birds (kleptoparasitism).
They have the lowest wing loading of any bird, allowing them to fly with minimal effort.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat destruction at their nesting colonies (mangroves and islands).
Decline of available prey due to overfishing.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Males inflate a huge red gular pouch on their throat to attract females during the mating season.
They can remain airborne for weeks at a time, sleeping in flight in very short intervals.