Magnificent Frigatebird
FWC
This huge tropical seabird is a year-round resident of the Florida Keys, and it breeds in small numbers on Long Key in the Dry Tortugas. They can also be found soaring, mostly during the summer and fall, along both Florida coastlines. However, they are seen more often on the Gulf coast from Naples to Cedar Key, where small roosts are found. Frigatebirds sometimes steal their food from other seabirds, which is why local fishermen call them “man o’ war birds.” During the hurricane season, Magnificent Frigatebirds are often found outside of their typical Florida range. Examples of trail sites worth checking for wandering frigatebirds are: Fort De Soto County Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore: Fort Pickens Area, St. George Island State Park, Bald Point State Park, Fort Clinch State Park, Huguenot Memorial Park, Shell Key Preserve and Lighthouse Point Park.
For more information, including a range map and sound recording, visit The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Birds website.
Recommended GFBWT sites:
- Bahia Honda State Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Fort De Soto Park
-
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Bird's habitat
It is a tropical/subtropical coastal/pelagic species that nests on mangrove cays and on islands with bushes & deciduous trees.
