Posted by Gary Potter (65.160.83.194) on February 01, 2002 at 11:39:48:
My experience with Frigatebirds is limited to Magnificent in Florida. I assume that the reason this bird was presented as a mystery is the brownish wash on the head which I believe to be more typical of juvenile Great Frigatebird. I see nothing else that might point to anything other than Magnificent. That along with the fact that all California Firgatebirds except one or possibly two have been Magnificent, I think that the most likely identification is Magnificent. I see nothing in this photo which could definately substantiate any other species.