FAMILY FREGATIDJE 



spotted and the scapulars and inner wing quills 

 streaked with silver gray; tail tipped with paler. 



Female. Similar to male but head, neck and 

 back more brownish, the front of the neck and 

 breast pale fawn color in contrast to the dark 

 remaining under parts. 



Young. Similar to female but black parts 

 duller. 



A rather strange appearing bird, with its 

 straight, slender, sharply pointed bill, its large 

 tail, stiff and fan-shaped when spread, and 

 snake-like neck. It perches on a tree or stump 

 above the water, and darts down pursuing its 

 prey under water. One was always seen on the 

 same tree along the bank of the Chilibri River 

 on my many trips up there. It is not uncommon 

 on Gatun Lake where it may sometimes be seen 

 from the railroad trains, sitting on some stump 

 with wings and tail outspread to dry after the 

 manner of a cormorant. 



Notes, "A rasping, chattering croak uttered 

 when fighting or coming to the nest." Chap- 

 man. 



26. Family FREGATTD^E 

 The Frigate Birds 



Sea birds related to the pelicans but of 

 very different appearance and habits. There 

 is but one genus with very few species found 

 in most tropical seas. The body is small and 

 light, the bill long and hooked at the tip, the 



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