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| Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel
- 4th year female |
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| Photographer : | © David J James |
| Location : | Herald Cays, Coral Sea |
| Date : |
June 1997 |
| English synonyms: | Lesser Frigate Bird, Lesser Frigata, Lesser Frigate, Least Frigatebird, Mascarene Least Frigatebird (iredalei), Mascarene Lesser Frigatebird (iredalei), Small Frigatebird, Least Man-o'-War |
| Bird Family : | Fregatidae - Frigatebirds |
| Bird Group : | CICONIIFORMES |
| Red Data Status : | Least Concern |
| Remarks : | Note how the broad bases to the triangular axillary spurs originate off the flanks, and create a much larger area of white on the sides of the underbody, compared with female Great Frigatebird Fregata minor. Note also the diagnostic black ring around the neck at the base of the hood. The black belly-point is fully developed, eliminating female Christmas Island Frigatebird Fregata andrewsi |
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