Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens

The Magnificent Frigatebird is the largest of the 5 species of frigatebird. It ranges in the Pacific from Mexico to Ecuador (including the Galapagos) and in the Atlantic from the Gulf Coast of USA to Brazil. The bird also breeds in the Cape Verde islands. These photos were taken by Alexandra Makhnina in Costa Rica.

The adult male is black with a purple sheen and a large red gular sac which he inflates when courting. The female has a white front and blue eye-rings. The juvenile has a white head and white front.

The birds feed mainly in flight from the sea surface but also by making other birds relinquish or regurgitate their food.