Magnificent frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

On landLeast concern

The magnificent frigatebird is a large black seabird whose males inflate a bright red throat pouch to attract mates. It steals food from other birds in flight and rarely lands on water. It occurs widely across the tropical Atlantic and eastern Pacific and is not endemic to the Galápagos.

Best time to see it

Breeds year-round in colonies; males display with inflated pouches during the breeding period.

Where to see it

Cerro Tijeretas
San Cristóbal · Likely sighting
Devil’s Crown
Floreana · Occasional sighting
León Dormido
San Cristóbal · Occasional sighting
North Seymour
North Seymour · Common sighting
Punta Pitt
San Cristóbal · Likely sighting

Cruises to see this species

B SOUTHVisits 6 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"E" itineraryVisits 5 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
8 days (A)Visits 5 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"A" itineraryVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
5 days (A)Visits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
8 Days (C)Visits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
B5 SOUTHVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinenary BVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary 4CVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary A 5d/4n Northern islands.Visits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
"D" itineraryVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
"F" itineraryVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
C - East Expedition 4 days - 3 nightsVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary 4CM/V: Española & Floreana ExpeditionVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary A4Visits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary BVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
8 Days (D)Visits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
D - South Expedition 5 days - 4 nightsVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Epic Galápagos Expedition Northwest & Southern LoopVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary AVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
4 Days (A)Visits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
5 days (B)Visits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
8 Days (B)Visits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
C - East Expedition 4 days - 3 nightsVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos