frigatebird help

[Cin-Ty]

Hi there,

Martin Reid photographed a frigatebird on the Texas coast two days ago.

http://www.martinreid.com/Main%20website/frigatebirdQuintana.html

He wanted some feedback on the bird's identity.

Although I've seen lots of frigatebirds, I can't say that I'm an expert on separating frigatebirds.

Any thoughts out there?

Cin-Ty Lee

[forktail]

Hi there

It might be worth checking this article - thorough and detailed

BirdingASIA 1 June 2004: Identification of Christmas Island, Great and Lesser Frigatebirds
by David James

F.

[AndyB]

That bright pink bill would ring alarm bells amongst a group of Magnificent. But if structure and plumage seems to be similar to adult Magnificent, is it possible that bill color varies amongst Magnificent and it's just a pink-billed Magnificent? Wouldn't a Lesser be very obvious amongst a group of Magnificents? My experience is very limited here to Magnificent and Great, so hopefully someone can enlighten.

[AndyB]

conclusion from much better photos seems to be a pink-billed Magnificent:
http://www.martinreid.com/Main%20website/frigatebirdID.html
interesting to bookmark in case you come across an out of range frigatebird.