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PanduanHewanKENALI · PEDULI · LINDUNGI
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PANDUANHEWAN · INDONESIA

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.

PanduanHewan·Updated 23 September 2026·Fregata ariel
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.
Photograph of Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel).
(c) Alexander A. Fomichev, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY 4.0 · Photograph cropped for layout.

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.

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 ↗

References can change. Check dates and context in the original source.