A master of the air, the great frigatebird rides ocean winds for days on a 2-metre wingspan and almost never lands on water — its feathers aren't waterproof. Breeding males inflate a brilliant scarlet throat pouch like a balloon to court females. It is also a notorious aerial pirate, harassing other seabirds until they drop their catch.
- Size
- Wingspan 205–230 cm
- Weight
- ~1.0–1.6 kg.
- Diet
- Flying fish and squid snatched in flight; also steals food from other seabirds.
- Lifespan
- Typically ~25–30 years; oldest ~37–40.
- Depth
- Aerial seabird — feeds at the surface, does not dive.
- Reproduction
- Very slow — matures at ~8–11 years; raises a single chick, breeding only every other year.
- Snorkel or dive
- Surface / birdwatching
- Best season
- Year-round; roosts at Olhugiri
- Conservation
- Least Concern
How to recognise it
Long angular wings, deeply forked tail; male has an inflatable scarlet throat pouch.
Behaviour in the wild
Aerial specialist; snatches flying fish from the surface and steals catches from other seabirds.
Where to see it in the Maldives
Olhugiri (Baa Atoll) is one of the very few known perching/roosting sites in the Maldives.
Visual field notes
See great frigatebird from more than one angle.
3 human-reviewed photographs chosen for identity, habitat and behaviour.
01 · Field portrait · Species reference
PhotoCharles J. SharpCC BY-SA 3.0web-adapted
02 · Behaviour & scale · Species reference
PhotoCharles J. SharpCC BY-SA 3.0web-adapted
03 · Habitat · Species reference
PhotoDiego DelsoCC BY-SA 4.0web-adapted
Conservation context
Nesting-habitat disturbance, invasive predators on breeding islands, fisheries interactions.
IUCN · Least Concern
Watch responsibly
Keep well back from nesting colonies to avoid flushing birds off their nests.
Field notes
Has the largest wing-area-to-body-weight ratio of any bird and can sleep on the wing.
It can stay aloft for weeks, even sleeping on the wing in brief seconds-long bursts while gliding.
Collective noun · a flotilla of frigatebirds
Profile references
References are shown transparently; profile copy may also include editorial synthesis. Seasons and sightings vary with wild conditions.