Ascension Frigatebird

Fregata aquila (Linnaeus, 1758)

Ascension Frigatebird, Fregata aquila, is a frigatebird of the Atlantic Ocean, breeding on Ascension Island, where it has recently been re-established, and on Boatswainbird Island east of Ascension. It is also found in the north-central South Atlantic outside the breeding season. Its plumage is brownish-black and its tail is deeply forked. The male shows a red throat pouch that he inflates when courting. The female is a little larger, with a brown band across the breast and, at times, a white belly.

Order

Suliformes

Family

Fregatidae — Frigatebirds

Breeding range

Atlantic Ocean: Ascension I. (where recently re-established) and Boatswainbird I. (e of Ascension I., nc South Atlantic Ocean)

Nonbreeding range

nc South Atlantic Ocean