Do Frigate Birds Fly Over Land?

A new study has revealed that the Magnificent Frigatebird, a seabird that spends most of its life at sea, can stay aloft for up to two months without landing. This is due to a boost from wind and clouds, which allows the bird to use large-scale movements in the air to save energy. The frigate bird uses air currents to fly over 250 miles per week without ever needing to rest.

Frigate birds are known for their ability to fly continuously for weeks without landing, but Columbus underestimated how far some birds can fly from land. A telemetric study of their trajectory and flight strategy has revealed that they can remain airborne for over two months during their transoceanic migrations.

The Magnificent Frigatebird spends most of its life flying effortlessly over the ocean, rarely landing on the water, even though it has webbed feet. Their feathers are not waterproof, so they would drown. Since frigates spend very little time on land, it is possible they sleep while airborne. However, the study authors are not sure when the birds will sleep while airborne.

Frigate birds track atmospheric conditions over months-long transoceanic flights and soar effortlessly over the ocean, rarely flapping their long, pterodactyl-like wings and using their long tail to steer. They pass over homes every day in the late afternoon, especially before the sun goes down, and some pass overhead in V-formations.