The Galápagos Islands hosts two types of frigatebird: the magnificent and the great. The former is slightly larger yet the latter is still big. The great frigatebird female can measure up to 3.5 feet long with a wingspan of 6.5 to 7.5 feet and weigh 3.5 pounds. So how can you tell the species apart? One way is by their call. The magnificent makes a rattling noise while the great sounds like a turkey. An easier way is to inspect their feathers. Notice the telltale green sheen across the neck and back of this great frigatebird male. In contrast, the magnificent’s feathers have a purple iridescence in the bright sunshine.
