Great Frigatebird
Fregata minor ‡
Christmas Island IMG_1243 20190216 - male
Notes: Cf.
Lesser Frigatebird: larger, longer bill, lacks white axilliary spurs.
Male: all black; red
gular sac in breeding. Female: pale grey/white
throat; black belly reaching well forward. Nominate
minor female
in NW Aust has pink orbital ring. Ssp palmerstoni female in NE Aust has
blue orbital
ring. Orbital ring colour may also vary w. location.
Juvenile: buff hood, elliptical white belly patch.
Known as "Pirates of
the Sea" as they rob other birds of their catch.
Range from Morcombe©
Christmas Island IMG_1500 20190216 - male & female
Michaelmas Cay, FN Qld IMG_3259 20190824 - palmerstoni female w. blue orbital ring/
Christmas Island IMG_3559 20190220 - minor female w. pink orbital ring
Christmas Island IMG_3537 20190220 - juvenile. CLICK for a 2nd year one w. bleached head at Kingston,Norfolk Island 20200315.
Jetty, Palm Cove, Cairns, FNE Qld IMG_6782 20240206 - palmerstoni juvenile w. garfish taken from fisherman. CLICK forcloseup swallowing garfish (bill out).
Jetty, Palm Cove, Cairns, FNE Qld IMG_6909++ 20240206 - animation; juvenile being hand fed by tourist.
Esplanade, Cairns North, FNE Qld IMG_8066 20231213 - palmerstoni male
Esplanade, Cairns North, FNE Qld IMG_8275 20231216 - palmerstoni male
Christmas Island MVI_5085 20140903 - minor female in "hospital" recovering.