Great Frigate Bird

[Tonji Ramos]

A huge bird. The wingspan is almost 7 feet. It flaps its wings in a lazy manner and it seems to glide most of the time. I think it was getting lift by going against the wind.

There are so many variations in the appearance of this species so it can get confusing without a set of pictures or drawings to guide you.

This post may be helpful guide for those who will encounter this bird in the future.


GREAT FRIGATEBIRD
Fregata minor


GREAT FRIGATEBIRD, adult male

5dmk2, 100-400, 1/1250, f 6.3 ISO 200 handheld


GREAT FRIGATEBIRD, 4th year male
David James said that this bird is not from Christmas Island or the SW Pacific and different from the ones he's used to seeing.

7D, 500mm, 1/800, f5.6, ISO640, tripod


GREAT FRIGATEBIRD, 4th year female

5dmk2, 300mm f2.8, 1/640, f7.1, ISO800 tripod


GREAT FRIGATEBIRD, Fregata minor listeri adult female
David James said "this bird is Christmas Island subspecies listeri because unique combination of blue bill and red orbital ring; also typically more dirty and brown on underparts than other subspecies"

This is the first time that this subspecies has been seen in the Philippines according to Arne Jensen.

7d, 500mm, 1/1250, f6.3, ISO 640, tripod

[Ely Teehankee]

Great shot of the Great Frigate Bird. Well done Sylvia & Tonji. Mabuhay.

[mantarey]

Fantastic BIF's Tonj.

[Tirso Paris]

Again, beautiful shots of birds we don't commonly see. I'm thoroughly enjoying your recent posts.

[Tonji Ramos]

Thanks Ely an Rey.

Thanks Tirso, we have been lucky to see so many interesting birds lately.