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    Fregata – Frigatebirds

    Take their name from the infamously swift and maneuverable man-o-warships that once battled on the high seas

    Frigatebirds fly for weeks over large areas of open water, following schools of flying fish, and they know why!

    When pursued by predators such as tuna or dolphins, flying fish leap out of the water to escape; frigatebirds use their superior speed and agility to snatch the pursued fish out of the air. They also have a reputation for (occasional) piracy. Frigatebirds chase other seabirds while in flight and bully them into dropping their catch. When this happens, the frigatebirds swoop down and catch the free meal before it hits the water.

    Frigatebirds are the only top marine predators that cannot swim and hunt without breaking the water’s surface.