`iwa
Fregata minor palmerstoni
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The Hawaiian name for the Great Frigatebird, 'iwa means thief and refers to the 'iwa's habit of harassing shearwaters and boobies, forcing their victims to drop food that they are carrying. Often the 'iwa will catch this food in midair.
The red pouch on the underside of the male's throat is inflated during mating dances (above).
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Fully grown, Great Frigatebirds have wingspans over 2 m (90 in).
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Photos by Robert Shallenberger and Monte Costa
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