Frigate Bird

Greater frigate birds, not to be confused with the less common lesser frigate bird, are very large (wingspan 205-230 cm, size 86-104 cm), dark seabirds that are unmistakable in flight as they have a distinctive pterodactyl-like appearance.

Although they seldom land on Cousine Island, they can be seen in small numbers on most days soaring above. Greater frigate birds are long-distance fliers and they spend most of their life flying gracefully over the ocean in search of prey. Unlike many other seabirds, frigate birds lack waterproofing oils on their feathers and they do not have webbed feet.

For this reason, they do not plunge or dive into the ocean, but prefer to catch prey from the surface of the water with their large beaks. However, frigate birds also have a unique way of obtaining food by robbery. They generally chase adult seabirds, particularly white-tailed tropicbirds and other tern species, that are returning to nesting colonies or roosting sites until they drop or disgorge their catch, sometimes forcing the victims to crash hard into the water. During these pursuits the birds can often achieve high speeds and it certainly is a spectacle to watch.

Unfortunately for the victim, they will need to catch more prey and run the gauntlet once again. Within the Seychelles, greater frigate birds only breed in colonies on Aldabra, although within the granitics hundreds of individuals roost on Aride Island outside of the breeding season.