Family: FregatidaeHabitat: Nests on islands; found in coastal tropical waters.
Distribution: Coastal tropical waters of North and South America and western Africa. Ranges inland, usually after severe storms.
Field Marks: Long, deeply forked tail, dark coloration (white belly in female), and reddish-orange inflatable throat pouch of male are distinctive traits of this species.
Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies; nest consists of a shallow collection of woody twigs or grasses that are placed in a tree, shrub, or on the ground.
Eggs: 1, although in rare instances 2 may be laid; 68 mm; white in color.
Incubation: Both sexes incubate the egg and care for the young. Incubation lasts about 50 days, and young are able to fly about 150-200 days later.
