La Jolla Frigate

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Posted by Todd McGrath (4.3.37.43) on March 01, 2002 at 22:39:47:

I was fortunate enough to see the frigaebird in La Jolla, and believe that the bird is a Magnificent. I believe that the rusty tones on the head are an artifact of the photo. I took a good look at the head and breast, and saw no trace of any color. While I was not looking for color, I believe I would have seen the coloration. My notes show the head was whitish-gray. I believe the bird was a juvenile, based on the sharpness of the dark breast points.
The only mark that was inconsistent with Magnificent was the shape of the belly patch. It appeared more rounded than sharp, but I suspect that there is more variation in this than in the head color.

I cannot comment on shape differences except to say that I don't have enough experience with Great Frigatebird to note any differences.

I would have posted comments sooner, but I did not realize this bird had been risen to "Mystery Bird" Status. Thanks to Joe for providing this excellent forum to review interesting birds.

I won't wager a guess on the other seabird, as I was on the boat that day, and know what it is.

Todd

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: I was fortunate enough to see the frigaebird in La Jolla, and believe that the bird is a Magnificent. I believe that the rusty tones on the head are an artifact of the photo. I took a good look at the head and breast, and saw no trace of any color. While I was not looking for color, I believe I would have seen the coloration. My notes show the head was whitish-gray. I believe the bird was a juvenile, based on the sharpness of the dark breast points. : The only mark that was inconsistent with Magnificent was the shape of the belly patch. It appeared more rounded than sharp, but I suspect that there is more variation in this than in the head color. : I cannot comment on shape differences except to say that I don't have enough experience with Great Frigatebird to note any differences. : I would have posted comments sooner, but I did not realize this bird had been risen to "Mystery Bird" Status. Thanks to Joe for providing this excellent forum to review interesting birds. : I won't wager a guess on the other seabird, as I was on the boat that day, and know what it is. : : Todd

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