Prakruti Parichay
FregatidaeFregata

Lesser Frigatebird

Fregata ariel

50–70 cmVery Large
Beak
—
Feet
—
Crest
No crest

Visitor to coasts of India, Sri Lanka and Maldives; has bred. Smaller and more finely built than other two frigatebirds. Adult male entirely black except for white spur extending from breast sides onto inner underwing. Adult female has black head including throat. white neck sides, white spur extending from white breast onto inner underwing, and black belly and vent. Juvenile and immature have rufous or white head, blackish breast-band and much white on underparts, which are gradually replaced by adult plumage; always show white spur on underwing!usually lacking on Great). Habits are like Great's. Pelagic

Colour

WhiteBlackRufous / Red-brown
Average size
60 cm
Habitat
Pelagic
Behaviour
Visitor to coasts of India, Sri Lanka and Maldives, has bred., Habits are like Great's.

About this bird

Visitor to coasts of India, Sri Lanka and Maldives; has bred. Smaller and more finely built than other two frigatebirds. Adult male entirely black except for white spur extending from breast sides onto inner underwing. Adult female has black head including throat. white neck sides, white spur extending from white breast onto inner underwing, and black belly and vent. Juvenile and immature have rufous or white head, blackish breast-band and much white on underparts, which are gradually replaced by adult plumage; always show white spur on underwing!usually lacking on Great). Habits are like Great's. Pelagic

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Lesser Frigatebird is bigger than Lesser White-fronted Goose but smaller than Indian Spot-billed Duck.

This bird

Lesser Frigatebird

Fregata ariel

50–70 cm