MAN-O’-WAR BIRDS—Family Fregatidæ
MAN-O’-WAR BIRD; FRIGATE BIRD
128. Fregata aquila. 40 in.
Eye brown; bill long, comparatively slender, and flesh, colored; gular sac orange; feet small and weak, with the four toes joined by webs. Frigate birds are strictly maritime; they nest in large colonies and usually travel in large companies. In expanse of wing compared to size of body they are unequalled by any other bird, and in power of flight they are only surpassed, possibly, by the albatrosses. They can walk only with difficulty and are very poor swimmers, owing to their small feet and long tail, but they are complete masters of the air and delight to soar at great heights. Their food of small fish is secured by plunging, or preying upon other sea birds.
Nest.—A low, frail platform of sticks in the tops of bushes or low trees. They lay but a single white egg in March or April; size 2.80 × 1.90.
Breeds in the Bahamas, West Indies, Lower California and possibly on some of the Florida Keys.
ORDER ANSERES
AMERICAN MERGANSER
129. Mergus americanus. 25 in.