Christmas Island Frigatebird
A species of Frigatebirds Scientific name : Fregata andrewsi Genus : Frigatebirds
Christmas Island Frigatebird, A species of Frigatebirds
Botanical name: Fregata andrewsi
Genus: Frigatebirds
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Ayuwat Jearwattanakanok
Description
The Christmas frigatebird measures 89–100 cm (35–39 in) in length, has a wingspan of 205–230 cm (81–91 in) and weighs around 1,550 g (3.42 lb). The adult male of this species is easily identified, since he is all black except for a white belly patch. Other plumages resemble those of the smaller lesser frigatebird, but have whiter bellies and longer white underwing spurs.
Size
1 m
Feeding Habits
Christmas Island Frigatebird consumes flying fish, squid, seabird eggs and chicks, carrion, and occasionally grasshoppers. They employ surface-dipping and kleptoparasitism, targeting other seabirds for food theft. Christmas Island Frigatebird exhibits specialized feeding behaviors leveraging agility and opportunistic tactics.
Habitat
Christmas Island Frigatebird is commonly found nesting in tall trees, like the Indian almond, within rainforests and locations close to human settlements, including golf courses. These birds thrive in tropical maritime environments, feeding in the warm, low-salinity waters of the pelagic zone in nearby oceans.
Dite type
Piscivorous
General Info
Species Status
The Christmas frigatebird is endemic to Christmas Island and breeds in only four main nesting colonies. In 2003 there were 1,200 breeding pairs but as frigatebirds normally breed every other year, the total adult population was estimated to be between 3,600 and 7,200 individuals. The species has a small population and breeds on just one island. It is therefore listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as "Critically Endangered".
Photo By Ayuwat Jearwattanakanok
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Gannets and Relatives Family
Frigatebirds Genus
Frigatebirds Species
Christmas Island Frigatebird