Fregatidae

Fregatidae is a family of seabirds in the order Suliformes that comprises the frigatebirds of the genus Fregata. The four extant species are the magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens), the great frigatebird (Fregata minor), the lesser frigatebird (Fregata ariel), and the Christmas Island frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi). They inhabit tropical oceans worldwide and breed on remote islands, coastal cliffs, and mangrove habitats.

Frigatebirds are large, dark-plumaged seabirds with very long, narrow wings and a deeply forked tail. Adults display a striking red throat pouch (gular sac) in males, used to attract mates and deter rivals, while females are generally larger and lack the inflatable pouch. They are highly aerial and spend long periods aloft, often far from land, resting on the wing or gliding on thermals.

Their feeding ecology is notable for kleptoparasitism. Frigatebirds primarily catch fish and squid at the surface, but they also steal prey from other seabirds in flight. They rarely dive to feed, instead relying on harassing other birds, surface feeding, and efficient flight to secure food.

Reproduction occurs in colonies on trees, mangroves, or cliffs. A single egg is typically laid per breeding attempt, and both parents participate in incubation and chick care. Chicks require extended parental care before fledging, after which they disperse widely.

Conservation status varies by species and location. Some frigatebird populations are stable or increasing, while others on isolated islands face threats from habitat loss, introduced predators, and human disturbance.