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magnificent frigatebird

The magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) has a highly unique mating ritual. The males perch in the palo santo trees, inflating their bright red throat pouches to get the attention of the females flying overhead. Known as a gular sac, the featherless skin on the throat has air forced into it, inflating it into an enormous balloon. This courtship display is accompanied by low guttural sounds that ring out through the forest like a distant drumbeat.



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