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Fregata minor
Parental care is prolonged in Great Frigatebirds. Fledging occurs after 4–6 months, the timing dependent on oceanic conditions and food availability. After fledging chicks continue to receive parental care for between 150–428 days; frigatebirds have the longest period of post-fledging parental care of any bird. The diet of these juvenile birds is provided in part by food they obtained for themselves and in part from their parents. Young fledglings will also engage in play; with one bird picking up a stick and being chased by one or more other fledglings. After the chick drops the stick the chaser attempts to catch the stick before it hits the water, after which the game starts again. This play is thought to be important in developing the aerial skills needed to fish.
Genovesa island Galapagos
Spotted on Nov 24, 2012
Submitted on Dec 17, 2012
1 Comment
Hi Karen, I would love to extend to you an invitation for the Birds of Ecuador mission: http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/4508...