Coastal communities have long spoken of a mysterious “cyclone bird,” a creature said to appear before powerful storms, seemingly predicting their arrival. This folklore sparks curiosity about what bird could possess such an ability. The bird behind these tales is the frigatebird, a seabird known for its mastery of the air. While not a storm predictor, its remarkable adaptations allow it to navigate and survive intense weather, earning it this mythical nickname.
Identifying the Cyclone Bird
The frigatebird is a large seabird, predominantly covered in iridescent black plumage. Its distinctive appearance includes long, pointed wings that can span up to 2.3 meters (7.5 feet). This impressive wingspan, combined with a light skeletal structure, makes it an incredibly efficient flyer. The bird’s deeply forked tail and long, hooked bill further aid its aerial agility.
Male frigatebirds are particularly striking during the breeding season, when they inflate a large, vibrant red gular pouch under their throat. This balloon-like sac is a display used to attract females. The frigatebird is also known as the “man-o’-war bird,” a name referring to its piratical tendencies in the sky.
The Science of Storm Riding
The frigatebird’s association with cyclones stems from its unique survival strategies during severe weather events, rather than any predictive power. Frigatebirds often react to impending storms by heading downwind or seeking shelter on shore, responding to environmental cues that indicate its approach.
Recent studies utilizing satellite tracking devices have provided insights into how these birds survive hurricanes and tropical cyclones. Instead of fleeing, some frigatebirds, particularly younger individuals, have been observed flying into the calmer eye of a cyclone. Within the storm’s eye, they use powerful updrafts and circular winds to soar for extended periods, sometimes days or even weeks, with minimal energy expenditure. One magnificent frigatebird, tracked during Hurricane Irma, traveled almost 160 miles southwest into the Gulf of Mexico, utilizing the strong winds to its advantage. This ability to ride air currents allows them to ascend to altitudes of 4,000 meters (2.5 miles) by riding thermals within cumulus clouds.
Unique Hunting and Survival Strategies
The frigatebird’s exceptional aerial capabilities are central to its daily foraging and survival. Its primary hunting method is kleptoparasitism, where it steals food from other seabirds. Frigatebirds aggressively pursue other birds, such as boobies, terns, or tropicbirds, pulling at their tail feathers until the victim regurgitates its meal. The frigatebird then snatches the disgorged food mid-air.
Frigatebirds also snatch fish and squid directly from the ocean’s surface while in flight. They follow large marine predators like tuna, feeding on smaller fish driven to the surface or capturing flying fish. Their feathers are not waterproof, unlike most other seabirds. Landing on water would cause their feathers to become waterlogged, preventing flight and risking drowning. Their superb soaring ability, used to navigate storms, is necessary for their existence over the open ocean.