FRIGATE, 
559 
toes are connected by a single scolloped membrane. 
His wings, when expanded, are said to measure 
from eight to fourteen feet, though his body is not 
larger than a full-sized hen. This amazing length 
of wing, while it is very useful in supporting the 
bird, during his long flights, is of great inconvenience 
to him on shore, as he is hardly able to rise from 
the ground ; and in this situation may readily be 
surprised and taken. 
These birds used formerly to occupy a little isle 
in the extremity of Guadaloupe, where many of 
them came to repose at night, and nestle in the 
season. It was called the Islet of Frigates , says 
a French voyager, and still bears the name though 
they have changed their retreat ; for in the years 
1643 and 1644 , many persons hunted them so 
closely, that they were obliged to forsake the islet. 
They either build their nest on the rocks, in little 
desert isles, on high cliffs, or in lofty trees in some 
retired situation near the sea. The female lays one 
or two white eggs, with a carnation tinge, and 
dotted with crimson. When the brood are first 
hatched they are covered with a light gray down ; 
and the bill and feet, which are then white, gra- 
dually change colour till they become of that black- 
ness which is characteristic of the full-grown bird. 
Under the throat of the male, when arrived at his 
full size, there is seen a large pendulous fleshy 
membrane of a bright red colour ; his eyes, which 
are large, black, and brilliant, are surrounded by a 
blueish skin. 
