764 THE FRIGATE BIED. 



a perpendicular direction, using every effort to elude the foe, so that sometimes both fall 

 into the water together. On this occurring the gannet gains its object, for although the 

 Frigate Bird has the advantage over the gannet while hovering in the air, the latter has 

 the best of it in the ocean, and generally escapes, leaving the x^iratical bird to get out of 

 the water in the manner most agreeable to himself 



. . . They have also been observed to soar over the masthead of a ship and tear 

 away the pieces of coloured cloth appended to the vane ; this I have frequently seen. 

 When soaring in mid-air, its wings, spread to their utmost degree of expansion, are 

 apparently motionless, while the long forked tail is seen expanding and closing with a 

 quick alternate motion, until the bird rises by degrees and slowly to so lofty an elevation 

 in the sky as at last to appear a mere speck." 



The long black feathers of the tail are in great request among the Society Islanders, 

 being woven as ornaments into the head-dresses of the chiefs. The nest of the Frigate 

 Bird is sometimes built upon trees and bushes where the low shores afford no cliffs, but 

 its usual locality for breeding is on the summit of some rocky cliff. On the rock there is 

 no nest, but when the bird breeds among trees, it makes a rude scaffolding of sticks like 

 the nest of the wood pigeon. There is only one egg, of a peculiar chalky whiteness, and 

 while sitting the bird is very bold and will not stir even if pushed with a stick, snapping 

 and biting at the obnoxious implement. The voice of this bird is rough and harsh, and 

 is likened to the sound produced by turning a winch. 



The colour of the adult Frigate Bird is shining black glossed with green, the female 

 being dull black above and white streaked with cinnamon upon the head, breast, and 

 under parts. The pouch on the throat is scarlet, and when distended has a very curious 

 effect against the dark black of the throat and neck. Including the long tail, the male 

 measures three feet in length, but the body is extremely small. The expanse of the 

 wings is about eight feet. 



