Frigate Bird, or MAN-OF-WAR BIRD (Tachyptetes aquila), a tropical marine bird, placed near pelicans and cormorants in the order Steganopodes. In flight it is extremely powerful, and makes use of its swiftness and strength to force other birds to surrender their prey. The food consists of fish, which, if not stolen, are caught at the surface. Flying-fish are said to form an important constituent of its diet. It may be seen out at sea 100 miles from land, but nests and breeds on the coasts of the tropical Atlantic and Pacific—e.g. off Honduras, where vast 'rookeries' have been described. The bird is large, measuring about 4 feet in length, with very long wings and tail.
The beak is hooked, and almost twice as long as the head. The prevalent colour is brownish-black; the female has a white breast, and, like the young birds, differs in minor points from the adult male. In some parts it is said to become half-tame, and even to be available for letter-carrying.