Magnificent Frigatebird

Description:

This huge soaring bird may have a wingspan of up to 215 cm (85 inches). Males are black with a red pouch at the neck. Females and young are similar to the bird pictured above.

Habitat:

Open ocean where they spend both days and nights on the wing. Breeding colonies are located on islands where nests are built in scrubby trees. They do not land in water.

Notes:

Fort Jefferson is a pre-Civil War fort that occupies much of Garden Key (island). The tall walls of the fort intercept ocean winds forcing air masses upwards. The frigatebirds ride these air swells, soaring just off the walls of the fort. I often had them soar past just a few feet away; a magnificent sight!