Introduction: Frigatebirds and their Drinking Habits

Frigatebirds are known for their unique flying abilities, with a wingspan of up to 7 feet, and can fly for days without landing. These seabirds are well adapted to life in the open ocean, where they spend most of their time. However, as with any animal, they require water to survive. This raises the question, what do frigatebirds drink?

Anatomy of Frigatebirds: Do They Have a Gullet?

Frigatebirds, like most birds, have a crop or gullet, which is an expanded portion of their esophagus used to temporarily store food. However, unlike many birds, frigatebirds do not have a true stomach. Instead, they have a proventriculus, a glandular stomach that secretes digestive enzymes. This unique anatomy allows frigatebirds to have a lightweight body, which is essential for their long flights.

Frigatebirds also have a salt gland, located above their nasal passage, which allows them to excrete excess salt from their body. This is important as they spend most of their time over saltwater, and too much salt can be harmful to their health. The salt gland works by removing the salt from their bloodstream and secreting it through their nostrils. This adaptation helps frigatebirds maintain a healthy water balance, but it does not provide them with freshwater.