An Epic Battle in the Sky
Magnificent Frigatebird versus Royal Terns
It’s May, and in Anguilla, seabirds are plentiful across the island and its offshore cays. Many species have returned from their life at sea for the annual breeding season. This means that competition for fish is fierce!
Not only is fish the primary food source for the seabird population, but it is also part of the courting ritual in many species.
Enter the Magnificent Frigatebird! This species has its challenges described in the excerpt from the Birds of The World site below.
“With their long, pointed wings and deeply forked tail, frigatebirds present a distinctive flight silhouette. They seem to soar effortlessly throughout the day and are rarely seen to flap their wings; yet their great aerial agility enables them to chase and harass other birds until the chased bird regurgitates a recently caught meal, whereupon the frigatebird darts down, catching the food before it hits the ocean. While frigatebirds have a reputation of being pirates-reflected in their colloquial name 'Man-o'-War Bird'-they catch most of their food on their own, by snatching fish or squid from near the ocean surface, never wetting a feather. This species lacks waterproof plumage and is rarely, if ever, seen to sit on the water. While adept in the air, frigatebirds have short legs and small feet, and never walk or swim.”
These birds often engage in epic battles with other seabird species, such as tropicbirds and Royal Terns. The pictures in this post are just a few snippets from one of the daily battles between Royal Terns and Frigatebirds.
A cacophony of screeching sounds is always a warning sign that the battle is underway.
In the end, it was Royal Terns 1 and Frigatebird 0! The juvenile Magnificent Frigatebird caught a thermal and moved on to fight another day. This young bird will need more practice to hone its skills as a thief.
Keeping eyes and ears on the sky can have big birdwatching payoffs at this time of year!
Thanks to you I am learning more and more each day... I will be on the lookout for these magnificent birds...