frigate bird

noun

: any of a family (Fregatidae, containing a single genus Fregata) of tropical seabirds having a forked tail and large wingspans that are noted for aggressively taking food from other birds

Illustration of frigate bird

Examples of frigate bird in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Squadrons of frigate birds riding currents high above the bungalows. — Mark Gauert, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2024

Nearby, a humpback mom and calf pop up, and rare birds such as blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds perch on nearby island cliffs. — Michele Bigley, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Dec. 2025

This sustains plankton at the bottom of the food chain — an effect that's intensified during a La Niña. Pelicans and a soaring frigate bird circle fishermen in the waters around Santa Fe Island in the Galápagos, presumably hoping for a free hand-out of fish. — Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 15 Feb. 2023

Wooden boats bobbed in long rows, their names and registration numbers hand-painted on the hulls, as men in neon vests unloaded catch and frigate birds swooped down to pick at the scraps. — Will Freeman, New Yorker, 30 June 2026

From magnificent frigate birds soaring in the skies above to sea lions and marine iguanas cruising the nutrient-rich waters, and of course the iconic blue-footed boobys littering the island trails. — Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

Sleeping at sea Some animals have unusual evolutionary adaptations to fit in sleep while avoiding predators and other risks, such as sleep-chewing cows, sleep-standing horses and frigate birds that can sleep and fly at the same time. — Ashley Strickland, CNN, 20 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for frigate bird

• absurd
• averred
• bluebird
• byword
• catbird
• catchword
• concurred
• conferred
• cowbird
• cowherd
• crossword
• deferred

Kids Definition

frigate bird

noun

: any of several seabirds noted for their power of flight and the habit of robbing other birds of fish

called also man-o'-war bird