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Birds · Java · Nusa Tenggara

Lesser Frigatebird

Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel). The lesser frigatebird is relatively small for a frigatebird and spends much of its time airborne above tropical seas.

Updated Facts checked Fregata arielEditorial standards

Compiled from the listed sources with AI assistance. How we prepare and review content

Photograph of Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel).
(c) Alexander A. Fomichev, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY 4.0 · Image cropped for layout.

Quick answer

IUCN status: Least Concern

Lesser Frigatebird at a glance

The Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel) is a bird in the family Fregatidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Papua, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara. Diet: mainly fish (piscivore) and squid; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

Quick facts: Lesser Frigatebird
Scientific nameFregata ariel
Indonesian nameCikalang kecil
GroupBirds
FamilyFregatidae
Observation recordsPapua, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara
Taxonomic groupSuliformes
GBIF records4,860 human-observation records, 2016–2026
Data retrieved2026-09-23
IUCN statusLeast Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026
Diet typeCarnivore (meat-eater) — mainly fish (piscivore) and squid · BirdLife DataZone
ReproductionLaying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)
ActiveDiurnal (active by day) — Can stay aloft for several days and nights. · Fregatidae (frigatebirds) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan (family account)
In this guide (12)
About this guideThis guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

What is the Lesser Frigatebird?

Lesser Frigatebird refers to Fregata ariel, in the genus Fregata, family Fregatidae, and order Suliformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗

What is known about the Lesser Frigatebird?

The lesser frigatebird is relatively small for a frigatebird and spends much of its time airborne above tropical seas.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗

How many Indonesian records name the Lesser Frigatebird?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 4,860 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Papua, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

How can you observe the Lesser Frigatebird?

Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Lesser Frigatebird with Pacific Reef Heron, Green Imperial Pigeon, Gray-rumped Treeswift. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

Scientific classification of the Lesser Frigatebird

Scientific classification from kingdom to species
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderSuliformes
FamilyFregatidae
GenusFregata
SpeciesFregata ariel

Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).

Common questions about the Lesser Frigatebird

What is the scientific name of the Lesser Frigatebird?

The scientific name of the Lesser Frigatebird is Fregata ariel, in the family Fregatidae and the order Suliformes. In Indonesian it is called Cikalang kecil.

What kind of animal is the Lesser Frigatebird?

The Lesser Frigatebird is a bird in the family Fregatidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a mainly fish (piscivore) and squid.

Where does the Lesser Frigatebird live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Lesser Frigatebird summarised in this guide mainly come from Papua, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara. That list is not a complete range map.

What does the Lesser Frigatebird eat?

The Lesser Frigatebird is a mainly fish (piscivore) and squid. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: BirdLife DataZone.

How does the Lesser Frigatebird reproduce?

The Lesser Frigatebird reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).

Is the Lesser Frigatebird nocturnal?

The cited source records the Lesser Frigatebird as diurnal (active by day). Can stay aloft for several days and nights. Source: Fregatidae (frigatebirds) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan (family account).

See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.

What is the scientific classification of the Lesser Frigatebird?

Scientific classification of the Lesser Frigatebird: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Suliformes, family Fregatidae, genus Fregata, species Fregata ariel.

Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

Is the Lesser Frigatebird endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Lesser Frigatebird is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Lesser Frigatebird is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).

Sources & references

  1. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
  2. GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
  3. iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
  4. Species account — background reading ↗
  5. BirdLife DataZone ↗
  6. Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
  7. Fregatidae (frigatebirds) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan (family account) ↗
  8. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
  9. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗

References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →

Cite this page

Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.

PanduanHewan. Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/fregata-ariel/

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