Source and Additional Information

Animal Diversity Web
 
Martha Calcutt
Some rights reserved

Magnificent frigatebirds are birds of the open ocean. Although their nests are on coastal areas, these birds are in flight for a majority of the time. Often they fly long distances over open water far from land. Their wings are so large that flying is nearly effortless. They take advantage of updrafts and can glide for long distances without beating their wings. They use their long, forked tails for maneuvering. They are one of the only birds with the ability to ride out a hurricane's strong winds. While usually solitary in flight, they do nest in colonies with numerous other pairs. While feeding, they can be extremely aggressive towards other animals. They are otherwise docile and while on land will often allow humans to come very close and even touch them. While their legs are not well-suited to walking, their strong, webbed toes allow them to perch when not in flight. Aggression, while rare, is usually in the form of bill snapping and jabbing at other birds when competing for perch sights. They do not defend territory beyond their small nest areas. Fledglings' often interact in playful ways. (Berridge, 1934; Diamond and Schreiber, 2002; Peterson and The editors of LIFE, 1963)

Home Range

There is no information available on the home ranges of magnificent frigatebirds.

Communication and Perception

Source and Additional Information

Animal Diversity Web
 
Martha Calcutt
Some rights reserved

Magnificent frigatebirds are usually silent, but they do vocalize when approaching a colony, when begging for food (hatchlings), and during mating displays. Little is known about communication among frigatebirds. (Diamond and Schreiber, 2002; Diamond, 1973)