MAN-O'-WAR BIRDS Family Fregatidae 

 MAN-O'-WAR BIRD; FRIGATE BIRD 



128. Fregata aquila. 40 in. 



Eye brown; bill long, comparatively slender, and flesh 

 colored; gular sac orange; feet small and weak, with 

 the four toes joined by webs. Frigate birds are strictly 

 maritime; they nest in large colonies and usually travel 

 in large companies. In expanse of wing compared to 

 size of body they are unequalled by any other bird, and 

 in power of flight they are only surpassed, possibly, by 

 the albatrosses. They can walk only with difficulty and 

 are very poor swimmers, owing to their small feet and 

 long tail, but they are complete masters of the air 

 and delight to soar at great heights. Their food of 

 small flsh is secured by plunging, or preying upon 

 other sea birds. 



Nest. A low, frail platform of sticks in the tops of 

 bushes or low trees. They lay but a single white egg 

 in March or April; size 2.80x1.90. 



Breeds in the Bahamas, West Indies, Lower California 

 and possibly on some of the Florida Keys. 



