Photo: Drew Avery / CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Ascension Frigatebird
Fregata aquila
Ascension Frigatebird (Fregata aquila) — Seabirds & Tubenoses of Oceans & Seabirds.
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The Ascension Frigatebird (Fregata aquila) is a member of the Fregatidae family found in Oceans & Seabirds. Adults weigh 1.6 kg. The IUCN Red List lists it as Vulnerable.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Suliformes
- Family Fregatidae Frigatebirds
- Genus Fregata
- Species aquila
Where it lives
Ascension I. (where recently re-established) and Boatswainbird I. (east of Ascension I., north-central South Atlantic Ocean)
Quick facts
- Weight
- 1.6 kg
- Diet
- Aquatic hunters
- Family
- Fregatidae
- Order
- Suliformes
- Habitat
- Wetland, lake & coast
How to identify
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Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Ascension Frigatebird hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Behaviour
A bird of open sea and coastal waters, it is highly aerial, spending much of its time on the wing.
Migration
The Ascension Frigatebird is migratory, making regular seasonal journeys between its breeding and non-breeding ranges.
The Ascension Frigatebird (Fregata aquila) belongs to the Fregatidae family of the order Suliformes. Its range spans Oceans & Seabirds. Its distribution covers AO Ascension I. (where recently re-established) and Boatswainbird I. (e of Ascension I., nc South Atlantic Ocean).
It is a very large bird. Adults weighs around 1.6 kg, with a wing length of about 56.8 cm and a tail of around 38.5 cm.
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
The species has a mapped global range of roughly 2.5 million km².
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Ascension Frigatebird?
The Ascension Frigatebird is a very large bird that weighs around 1.6 kg.
Where does the Ascension Frigatebird live?
The Ascension Frigatebird is found across Oceans & Seabirds with a range covering AO Ascension I. (where recently re-established) and Boatswainbird I. (e of Ascension I., nc South Atlantic Ocean), where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.
What family does the Ascension Frigatebird belong to?
The Ascension Frigatebird (Fregata aquila) belongs to the Fregatidae family, in the order Suliformes.
What does the Ascension Frigatebird eat?
The Ascension Frigatebird hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Does the Ascension Frigatebird migrate?
The Ascension Frigatebird is migratory, making regular seasonal journeys between its breeding and non-breeding ranges.
Is the Ascension Frigatebird endangered?
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
How large is the Ascension Frigatebird's range?
The Ascension Frigatebird has a mapped global range of about 2.5 million km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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