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The Frigate-Bird.
(Fragata aquila.)
This is a large bird which frequents tropical and sub-tropical seas, feeding upon surface-swimming species of fish, but principally upon the hard-earned prey of Tropic-birds and Gannets. One of these birds dives and catches a fish, and swallowing it whole, flies up to watch for another. It is chased and overtaken by the Frigate-Bird who seizing its throat in its hooked pincers-like beak, forces its victim to disgorge. As soon as the fish is ejected from the Gannet's crop, down swoops the Frigate-Bird so swiftly that the falling fish is caught before it can reach the water.