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The frigates, a type of vessel previously frequently utilized by pirates, are the source of the epithet “great and magnificent galapagos frigatebirds.” Although it may seem like an odd association, there is a certain sense of piracy to the way Galapagos frigatebirds feed. Remarkable birds of prey, the two species of frigatebirds found in Galapagos, are notorious for their kleptoparasitic behavior, which involves attacking other seabirds and stealing their food.
Nimble in Flight
The Galapagos is home to two species of frigatebirds: the great frigatebird (Fregata minor) and the splendid frigatebird (Fregata magnificent). The Galapagos Islands provide tourists with exceptional up-close viewing possibilities even though these and other birds from the Fregatidae family may be found in different regions of North and South America.
The enormous scarlet, leathery pouches that male frigatebirds expand during courtship rituals are the main reason they are much sought after. Still, given that they spend much time in the air, Galapagos frigatebirds are equally intriguing to watch from above. These birds utilize their large wingspan and the winds and air currents that travel across the ocean to stay in the air for months.
Frigatebirds are more adapted to flying in the air than other Galapagos seabirds, like the blue-footed booby, which is specially designed to dive deep into the water to catch fish. They are elegant flyers due to their broad wingspan and finely split tails. They can drop below the ocean’s surface to grab fish thanks to their skilled aerial maneuverability. But frigatebirds also have another way to feed that doesn’t need going too near the water: they snag more shrewd birds midflight and use that as their meal source.
Red-billed tropicbirds and blue-footed boobies are frequent targets for the frigatebird. Watch how the frigatebird struggles to catch the tropicbird’s recent meal mid-flight in the video below!
Source: BBC
Unlike diving seabirds, frigatebirds are not waterproof in their feathers despite being located in coastal settings and feeding on marine animals. They employ piratical air tactics to steal the food of more aquatic species, such as boobies and tropicbirds, in part because of this.
Top Spots to Witness Galapagos Frigatebirds
In the San Cristobal highlands, frigatebird colonies can be seen encircling El Junco, a freshwater lake. You can watch frigates drop to the surface of the volcanic crater lake and dip their wings into the water before taking off again from the crater lake’s ridge.
This behavior doesn’t seem normal because the frigatebird’s feathers are water-resistant. The birds visit the freshwater lake to rinse the extra salt from their feathers, wet in salt water, as they reach the sea surface to capture fish. There are other locations on San Cristobal Island where you can see these unusual species, such as the islands of Genovesa, North Seymour, and Punta Pitt.
When visiting the Galapagos, a sighting of a frigatebird in the act of stealing may be possible for a fortunate or vigilant observer. Still, it’s a treat to watch these exquisite birds in flight. Every tour offered by Metropolitan Touring includes the chance to witness tremendous and majestic Galapagos frigatebirds. Ask your naturalist guide for more fascinating tales about the unusual habits of these birds.
