The frigatebird (scientific name Fregata magnificens), commonly known as the man-of-war bird, is predominantly found in South America, especially in the Galapagos Islands. Remarkably, it can fly continuously for up to 94 hours, covering a distance of 261 kilometers solely in search of food.
What allows these birds to fly for such long durations without fatigue? According to experts from the French National Scientific Center, during most of their flight, frigatebirds primarily glide, expending almost no energy.
Researchers believe that frigatebirds achieve this extraordinary feat through their highly efficient gliding abilities, which allow them to conserve energy since they hardly flap their wings. This capability is crucial as they often hunt in tropical waters, where food is notoriously scarce.
Their exceptionally large wingspan enables them to generate sufficient lift for gliding: the distance between the tips of their wings can reach up to 2.4 meters, while their body weight is less than 1.5 kilograms.
NGUYEN SINH
