Frigatebird Sp. (Fregata sp.), Near San Simon, Cochise County

This Frigatebird sp. was found by Sierra Blazer, Raymond Dodge, Damian O'Sullivan, and Dawn Zappone on 18 March 2020 and photographed by Sierra Blazer, Damian O'Sullivan, and Dawn Zappone on 18 March 2020

Frigatebirds are casual in Arizona, with less than five accepted records of Magnificent Frigatebird in recent years, and a handful of 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.

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 (there is a report of a possible Great for the state) especially outside the peak late summer window responsible for the majority of Magnificent Frigatebird records in the west. Those outside this window, such as this one, should be carefully checked for other species. This individual is either a worn juvenile or a young immature. The most reliable features for identification are the shape of the belly patch and foot color. The rusty on the head/breast of juvenile Great Frigatebirds wear/bleach and may not be present in older juveniles though it is most often retained on the breast/throat. Unfortunately this individual was not seen in flight so the shape of the belly patch was not seen and you cannot see the foot color or the breast so this is best left as a frigatebird sp. based on current knowledge.

18 March 2020, photo by Dawn Zappone

18 March 2020, photo by Damian O'Sullivan

18 March 2020, photo by Sierra Blazer

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