frigate bird

or frigate·bird

noun

1. any of several predacious seabirds of the genus Fregata, having fully webbed feet.

frigate bird

noun

1. any bird of the genus Fregata and family Fregatidae , of tropical and subtropical seas, having a long bill with a downturned tip, a wide wingspan, and a forked tail: order Pelecaniformes (pelicans, cormorants, etc) Also calledman-of-war bird

Word History and Origins

Origin of frigate bird¹

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

Ascension Island has a wealth of species native to the island that have been affected by plastic pollution, such as the land crab, frigate bird and various species of sharks, turtles, fish and seabirds.

From BBC

For a pilot, he says, “I would put a mountain below, a frigate bird on top of it and the patterns for lightning and wind around it.”

From New York Times

Pelicans dove, magnificent frigate birds glided overhead, and a great blue heron took flight from the water.

From Washington Post

Later, I strolled past a fish market where a 16-foot marlin dangled from a hook, and sea lions, pelicans and frigate birds nudged iPhone-wielding tourists.

From New York Times

Rare species including frigate birds and the blue-footed booby raise their young in nests on the ground making them easy prey for the rats.

From BBC