Dolphin Tales: The magnificent frigatebird
The frigatebird is a massive seabird of warm tropical oceans and coastlines that can live to over 40 years in the wild. If you have been out in Pine Island Sound around Broken Islands recently, you have seen many of these birds hovering over the dolphin waiting for the dolphin to flip a fish so that they can grab it while the fish is airborne.
They forage in the air, swooping close to the water to take fish from on or near the surface. They eat only “flying fish” because if their wings get wet they will not be able to fly. They do not land in the water or swim.
The frigatebird is a master at piracy. They chase other birds until they release their fish or harass them to regurgitate their meal. Once the food is dropped, the frigatebird swoops down to snatch the falling item before it hits the water. They even take food directly from the bill of another bird in an aerial battle.
Because of their swift, soaring flight and marauding behavior, the birds were named after British frigate warships. They also eat turtle eggs and hatchlings from the beach. This may explain why they are so plentiful now because it is turtle nesting season.
The frigatebird is black with an extremely long, deeply forked tail and angular wings.
Their wing span is about 7.5 feet and they can soar for long periods of time and fly with slow wingbeats. They have been observed staying aloft in the air for over a month and a half at a time.
The male has an inflatable red pouch on its throat that creates a drumming noise to attract females. The adult female has a white chest with a golden bar on the shoulder. Young birds have a white head and breast.
Keep your eyes open for these magnificent birds.
Capt. Cathy Eagle has spent over 40 years boating in our local waters. As a professional charter captain she specializes in dolphin and nature tours. Visit CaptainCathy.com or call 239 994-2572.