PELICANIFORMES of Australasia
The Pelecaniformes order is in a state of flux. The order was originally defined to include birds that have feet with four web toes. Most members also have non functional nostril slits. They feed on fish or similar marine life. However, many of these species have obtained these features by convergemt evolution and not because of common ancestory. At least one new order will probably be formed.
Frigates
Order Pelicaniformes Family Fregatidae - 1 genus
Frigatebirds are large, with iridescent black feathers (the females have a white underbelly), with long wings and deeply-forked tails. The males have inflatable red-colored throat pouches which they inflate to attract females during the mating season. Frigatebirds are found over tropical oceans and ride warm updrafts. These birds do not swim and cannot walk well, and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan to body weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week, landing only to roost or breed on trees or cliffs. [abstracted from Wikipedia]
Genus Fregata
Frigatebird, Great Fregata minor Found: Africa, Asia, Australia, Hawaii, and other Pacific Islands
Photographed by: 1) Dick Daniels - Michaelmas Cay, Great Barrier Reef 2) Dick - Kauai, Hawaii 3, 4) Dick - Kauai, Hawaii
All photos on this site are available for general use. Please credit the photographer. Some images have additional constraints such as no commercial use or no modifications. Click the photo credit link for details. Dick Daniels, webmaster.