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The Red Balloon Display
Male frigatebirds inflate a massive red throat pouch to the size of a balloon, then sit for hours hoping females flying overhead will be impressed.
Frigatebird
Fregata
Males inflate a massive red throat pouch to balloon size over 20 minutes, then vibrate it to attract females flying overhead.
Vital Stats
🏷️ TypeSeabird (related to pelicans)
🌍 Found InTropical and subtropical oceans worldwide — coastal islands
📏 Size75-114cm, wingspan up to 2.3m
⏳ Lifespan25-34 years
🔞 Sexual Maturity5-7 years
💕 Mating SystemPolygynous — females choose males with brightest pouches
📅 Mating SeasonVaries by location; year-round in tropics
🤰 Gestation55 day incubation
👶 Offspring1 chick (raised for 6+ months — longest for any bird relative to size)
🍆 Penis Size3 cm
⏱️ Sex Duration8 seconds
🔬 Notable AnatomyMales inflate huge red gular pouch over 20 minutes; vibrate it and clatter bill to attract flying females
⚖️ Sexual DimorphismMales have red inflatable pouch; females have white breast