'Iwa (Great Frigate Bird)

A huge seabird glides in a cloudless sky. It is dark brown and black with a white patch on its chest. It has a red outline around its eye and a forked tail.
Photo By/Credit
Laurel Smith/USFWS
Date Shot/Created
03/30/2023
Media Usage Rights/License
Public Domain
Image
'Iwa or great frigate birds soar in circles using thermals to climb and descend. This allows for a very efficient means flight as they will rise 8,000 feet or higher before gliding in the direction they want to travel. This energy-saving skill allows them to cover long distances over the ocean even when food is scarce.
Facility
Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Subject tags
Seabirds