Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens), Canoa Ranch Conservation Area, Pima County

This Magnificent Frigatebird was found and photographed by Matt Smogor on 30 July 2019

Frigatebirds are casual in Arizona, with only three accepted records of Magnificent Frigatebird in recent years, and three accepted records of "frigatebird sp.", in the past 20 years. 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 and has a larger more oval shaped belly patch (as opposed to the diamond shape belly patch shown on this individual). The partial dark breast-band indicates juvenile plumage in these photos.

30 July 2019, photo by Matt Smogor

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