In a salty lagoon on the north-west corner of the island of Barbuda lies an enormous rookery inhabited by one of the most fascinating bird species anywhere. This is home for the Frigate Bird, Fregata magnificens, an aerial pirate of supreme daring, a flyer of consummate skill, and a lover whose feathery flirtations rival Casanova's.
fantastic flying machines
Frigate Birds cannot walk or swim, having very short legs and small feet. They spend their time in the air or perched on a limb. With an eight-foot wingspread and only three-pound body weight, the Frigates have a wingspan-to-weight ratio that allows them to soar effortlessly on ocean breezes for days at a time.
mid-air hijacking
When food hunting the piratical Frigate prefers to scout the beaches. On such missions two or more Frigates will gang up and cruise until they find a slower-flying bird that has just caught a fish. Then one Frigate peels off to chase the quarry, matching manoeuvre zig for zag and sometimes capsizing the victim in flight. When the terrorised bird drops its prize - or disgorges the partly digested morsel from its gullet - one of the other Frigates snares the second-hand titbit before it hits the water.
a badge of bachelorhood
Second only to a Frigate Bird's concern for food is its interest in the opposite sex. The mating season begins in September when the males make it their business to find new mates and set up housekeeping. Groups of posturing males inflate their fetching scarlet neck pouches and sit on their chosen nest site until an unattached hen passes by. The males all go into action, quivering their outstretched wings, waving their heads back and forth, and drumming their beaks.
other species of bird on barbuda:
- The Barbuda Warbler is endemic to the island and is not found elsewhere in the world.
- The Whistling Duck is an endangered species, which is found on the island.
- The Tropic Bird is found in large numbers in the cliffs and caves of Two Foot Bay.
For more information about Barbuda's environment contact John Mussington, the Environmental Awareness Group, and the Department of Tourism and Environment.