The Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) is a widespread tropical seabird which occurs from Florida through much of the Gulf of Mexico and into the Caribbean area. It also occurs on the Pacific coast of Mexico south to South America and the Galapagos Islands. The top 19 shots on this page were all taken in the Galapagos Islands inJuly, 2007 with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III. The top two shots were taken with an EF 500mm F/4 L IS lens and all the other images were taken with an EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 L IS lens. The shot on the left shows a male in flight as he is diving towards the water.

This female passed close by the boat I was on allowing a nice shot showing the detail of the face and head.

The female in flight in the next 3 shots was making a pass near where I stood on the edge of a cliff.

The male in several of the shots below has blow up his red throat pouch in an effort to attract a female.

The female below was perched near a nest.

A male in flight with his throat pouch partially inflated.

The next 3 shots show a female Magnificent Frigatebird (left) and a female Great Frigatebird (right) flying together. Both of these species occur side by side on some of the Galapagos islands.