R. Carmona et al., HATCHING, GROWTH, AND MORTALITY OF MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD CHICKS IN SOUTHERN BAJA-CALIFORNIA, The Wilson bulletin, 107(2), 1995, pp. 328-337
We studied growth and development of chicks of the Magnificent Frigate
bird (Fregata magnificens) in 1985, 1986, and 1988 at a colony on Isla
Santa Margarita, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Hatching peaked at week
s 7, 12, 17.5, and 23.3 of the calendar year. Hatching frequencies aro
und each peak were distributed normally. Growth was analyzed using Ric
hards' model. Total length had the lowest growth rate and mass the hig
hest. The asymptote for mass was reached before 150 days, as was the a
symptote for culmen; the asymptotes for wing and wingspan were reached
later. Chick mortality, recorded over a six-month period, was conside
red to be low (46%). During the same period there was 90% replacement
and new occupation of nests, which resulted in temporal and spatial cl
ustering of the clutches laid during the season.