Frigatebirds

Frigatebird sp. Frigéad sp. Fregata sp.

Rare vagrant.

One county record up to end of 2020.

1973 Cape Clear Island, 24th August. This is the first Irish record.

Global Distribution: Frigatebirds are tropic and sub-tropic in distribution and the species most like to be seen in Ireland is the Magnificent Frigatebird. This species is distributed on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of America, from California (USA) to Ecuador (including the Galapagos), and from Florida to south Brazil. One relict population breeds at Cape Verde off the coast of Africa. Outside the breeding season it is largely sedentary, with the dispersal of immature and non-breeding individuals. (Birdlife International)