The Thief T e shrike does its own hunting. T e


magnificent frigatebird does not. T is bird is a thief. It steals other birds’ prey. T is behavior isn’t very friendly, but it


does help the frigatebird survive. A frigatebird soars low and slow over the ocean. It’s on the hunt for food. It eats


This magnificent frigatebird steals fish from a seabird.


fish, but it has a problem. Its feathers aren’t waterproof so it can’t dive into the ocean and fish for itself. Instead, this bird looks for food that’s near the surface of the ocean. Sometimes, it’s a flying fish or a floating jelly. Other times, though, it’s a fish in the bill of another bird. When the frigatebird spots a seabird, it


stays close by. It watches as the seabird dives into the water and comes up with a fish in its bill. T e frigatebird flies into the seabird’s path.


It grabs the seabird with its long, hooked bill, and flips it upside down. T e seabird spins, its wings flapping wildly. As it starts to fall, the seabird tightens its grip on the fish. T e frigatebird tackles the seabird again.


T e birds lock together in midair, struggling for the fish. Finally, the frigatebird rips the fish away, eats it, and flies off . T is isn’t the first meal the frigatebird stole today, and it won’t be the last.


A magnificent frigatebird uses its sharp, hooked bill to steal from other birds.


6 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXTREME EXPLORER


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