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Panorama: frigate bird mating area
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| Common name | Frigatebird, Great |
| Scientific name | Fregata minor |
| Taxonomic group | Fregatidae |
| Source | Dan L. Perlman |
| Ecosystems | Wetlands, aquatic |
| Wetlands and aquatic | Oceans, seas |
| Selection and adaptations | Selection |
| Selection | Morphology |
| Behavior | Mating; Social |
| Animals | Birds |
| Lessons | Panoramas |
| Date | March 11, 2010 |
| Location | Genovesa Island,Galápagos Islands,Ecuador,South America |
Great frigatebirds, Fregata minor, are remarkable for many aspects of their biology. These large birds (their wingspan can be over 2m or 2yd) create very simple nests on low bushes, typically in high densities. Males gather in a mating area called a lek, inflate their large red gular sacs (a process that takes 20-30 minutes), and watch for females flying overhead. When they see a likely candidate, they spread their wings, begin shaking their bodies, and emit a warbling, ululating call. If sufficiently impressed, the female selects one of the males with which to mate. If none of the males gets chosen, they all sit and watch for another female for whom to display.
