Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens), Barry M. Goldwater Range, Maricopa County

These Magnificent Frigatebirds were found and photographed by Joe Veverka on 19 July 2012

These photos were taken on the BMGR East North Tactical Range. (No Public Access). There were 2 individuals. These birds were seen before dawn during the monsoons.

Frigatebirds are casual in Arizona, with only two accepted records of Magnificent Frigatebird in recent years, both from 2010, and two accepted records of "frigatebird sp.", from 2004 and 2006. Reports of frigatebirds declined sharply after the 1970s, when they were annual in the state. Additional records of "frigatebird sp." include one from the 1980s and three from the 1990s.

While frigatebirds as a group are distinctive, ID among species is more challenging. While Magnificent is the most likely species in Arizona and the only one recorded thus far, both Lesser and Great frigatebirds are also possible. Lesser Frigatebird is ruled out by the white limited to the head and belly, not extending onto the axillaries. Great Frigatebird shows a buffy head in juvenile plumage. The partial dark breast-band indicates juvenile plumage in these photos.

19 July 2012, photo by Joe Veverka