Magnificent Frigatebird
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| Magnificent Frigatebird | ||||||||||||||
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| Fregata magnificens Mathews, 1914 |
The Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) was sometimes previously known as Man O'War, reflecting its rakish lines, speed, and aerial piracy of other birds.
It is widespread in the tropical Atlantic, breeding in Florida, the Caribbean and Cape Verde Islands.
It has occurred as a vagrant on the Isle of Man in 1998 and in Denmark and Spain.
Identification
This species is very similar to the other Frigatebirds and is similarly sized to all but the Lesser Frigatebird. It lacks a white axillary spur, and juveniles show a distinctive diamond-shaped belly patch.