Photo Documentation Archive

Ohio's 4th record

1998 © w/ Adam Grimm	1998 © w/ Adam Grimm

As I am no longer on the OBRC, I will offer my support for the identification as that of a Magnificent Frigatebird. I have had the opportunity to photograph immatures of both species and I can say that the photo is not immediately conclusive. The general pattern of white head, white chest, dark chest band separating a white lower belly is repeated in 1st and 2nd stage juveniles of white-breasted forms of the Great Frigatebird as well as 2nd stage immature females, in addition to 1st stage juvenile Magnificent Frigatebird. However, examination by 8x loupe reveals the chest band pattern to be double convex, matching closely with 1st stage juvenile Magnificent Frigatebird, and eliminating immature female Great Frigatebird. I also can make out a bluish gray bill with a yellowish tip - the expected character for Magnificent Frigatebird. Great Frigatebird is not expected to have the yellowish tip. Observers in both parties ( including one familiar with Galapagos Great Frigatebirds) make no mention of a whitish-brown alar bar across the upperwing coverts. Presence indicates Great Frigatebird, absence in immatures leaves only Magnificent Frigatebird - V.W.F.III. I welcome comment/criticism of this assessment.

Preamble: Apart from cropping, and filtering for sharpness, brightness, and contrast to account for scanning distortion, these images have not been digitally manipulated. |

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