The National Bird Of Antigua And Barbuda: Bird Of Paradise

The national bird of Antigua and Barbuda is the magnificent frigatebird, also known as the Man-o'-War or Weather Bird. This large seabird is usually found over tropical oceans and has a distinctive black-and-white or completely black plumage, with long wings and a deeply forked tail. The male frigatebird is particularly renowned for its inflatable red throat pouch, which it uses to attract females. These birds are unable to swim, walk or take off from a flat surface, but they possess the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, allowing them to stay airborne for over a week.

The magnificent frigatebird is the national bird

The magnificent frigatebird is a relative of the pelican and is also known as the Man-o'-War or Weather bird. These birds are usually found over tropical oceans, travelling between the Caribbean and Galapagos Islands during varying mating seasons.

Barbuda, the sister island of Antigua, is home to the largest frigatebird colony in the western hemisphere. This colony is located in the capital of Barbuda, Codrington, in the Codrington Lagoon. The Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary has an estimated population of 100,000 birds, including over 5,000 frigatebirds and 170 other bird species.

The magnificent frigatebird is an important symbol of Antigua and Barbuda's natural heritage. With its graceful flight and striking appearance, it captures the beauty and spirit of these Caribbean islands.

In addition to the magnificent frigatebird, Antigua and Barbuda is home to a diverse range of bird species. From colourful hummingbirds and warblers to majestic pelicans and oystercatchers, the islands offer a rich avifauna for bird enthusiasts to explore.

Frigatebirds are large seabirds

The Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) is the national bird of Antigua and Barbuda. It is also known as the Man-o'-War or Weather Bird. Frigatebirds are related to pelicans, and males are glossy black, while females have white breasts. They weigh about three pounds, have a wingspan of eight feet, and fly at speeds of around 22 mph.

Barbuda, Antigua's sister island, is home to the largest Frigatebird colony in the western hemisphere. This colony is located in the capital of Barbuda, Codrington, in the Codrington Lagoon. It is only accessible by boat and is a bird-watcher's paradise, with over 5,000 Frigatebirds and an estimated total population of 100,000 birds across 170 species. These magnificent birds travel between the Caribbean and Galapagos Islands during the varying mating seasons.

The national bird of Antigua and Barbuda is a fitting symbol of the country's natural beauty and diversity. With their impressive wingspan and ability to stay aloft for extended periods, Frigatebirds are a sight to behold and an important part of the country's ecological heritage.

They have inflatable throat pouches

The national bird of Antigua and Barbuda is the magnificent frigatebird, also known as the Man-o'-War or Weather Bird. These birds are related to pelicans and are usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black-and-white, or completely black, with long wings and deeply forked tails.

The male frigatebirds have inflatable scarlet throat pouches, which they blow up to attract females. These throat pouches are also known as gular sacs. The female frigatebirds have white breasts.

Frigatebirds cannot swim, walk, or take off from a flat surface. They have the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, and they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week.

The sister island of Barbuda is home to the largest frigate bird colony in the Western Hemisphere, located in the capital of Barbuda, Codrington, in the Codrington Lagoon. This colony consists of over 5,000 frigate birds, in addition to 170 other bird species.

Frigatebirds cannot walk or swim

The national bird of Antigua and Barbuda, the frigatebird, or Fregata magnificens L, is a remarkable creature. With a wingspan of 7 to 8 feet, these seabirds weigh only about 3 pounds. They are known for their ability to soar for weeks or even months at a time without stopping to rest. This is because, unlike most other seabirds, frigatebirds cannot land on the water to float or swim. Their feathers are not waterproof, so they must stay aloft to avoid drowning.

Frigatebirds are highly adapted to life in the air. Their enormous wings and forked tails enable them to soar effortlessly on thermal drafts. They are masters of riding the air currents, intentionally flying into cumulus clouds to catch a powerful updraft that can carry them as high as 2½ miles above the Earth's surface. From this great height, a frigatebird can glide for over 35 miles without needing to flap its wings.

The price they pay for their aerial prowess is their inability to walk or swim. Frigatebirds have short legs and broad wings, which make it difficult, if not impossible, for them to take off from the ground or the water's surface. Consequently, they must rely on their exceptional flying skills to hunt. Frigatebirds feed by swooping down to pluck fish or squid from the water's surface or by harassing other seabirds in flight, forcing them to regurgitate their food.

The name 'frigatebird' is derived from the fast-fighting ships used by pirates in the 18th and 19th centuries. In Hawaiian, the bird's name is 'iwa', meaning thief, reflecting their reputation as occasional bandits. The male frigatebird, with its glossy black plumage, attracts females by inflating its scarlet throat pouch. The females, on the other hand, have white breasts.

Barbuda, the sister island of Antigua, is home to the largest frigatebird colony in the Western Hemisphere. Located in the capital of Codrington, in the Codrington Lagoon, this sanctuary provides a home to over 5,000 frigatebirds, coexisting with approximately 170 other bird species.

The Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary is home to over 100,000 birds

The national bird of Antigua and Barbuda is the frigate bird, also known as the Man-o'-War or Weather Bird. This magnificent bird is a relative of the pelican and boasts a wingspan of 8 feet. The male frigate bird is glossy black, with a scarlet throat pouch that it inflates to attract females. The females, on the other hand, have white breasts.

The Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary is a natural paradise for bird watchers and is located on the sister island of Barbuda, in the capital of Codrington. The sanctuary is situated within the Codrington Lagoon, a Ramsar site recognised as a wetland of international importance. This vast lagoon also hosts dozens of other avian species, in addition to the frigate birds.

The Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary is home to an estimated 100,000 birds, including over 5,000 frigate birds. These elegant creatures travel between the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands during their varying mating seasons. The sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to observe the fascinating mating rituals of these birds. During the mating season, which typically occurs from September to April, male frigates line up in the bushes with their heads arched and chests puffed, vying for the attention of potential mates. When a female frigate spots a suitor she desires, she descends to his perch, and their courtship commences.

The Codrington Lagoon is characterised as a "relatively well-flushed and healthy ecosystem" by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. It encompasses mangroves, seagrass beds, algal mats, tidal and mud flats, beaches, and coral reefs. This diverse environment supports a multitude of marine species, including juvenile lobster, reef fish, sea turtles, and marine mammals, as well as nesting seabirds.

The frigate bird holds a special significance in Antigua and Barbuda, not only as the national bird but also as a beloved symbol of the nation's natural heritage. Visitors to the Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary can witness the majesty of these birds and appreciate the crucial role they play in the island's ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions