Frigate Birds Nesting on Ascension Island
In Frigate Birds Nesting on Ascension Island, narrator David Attenborough highlights frigate birds, who travel across vast stretches of the ocean but return to Ascension Island to nest. This isolated volcanic island, located 800 miles from any other land, provides a vital refuge. Instead of choosing the island's main slopes, frigate birds nest on the even more remote Boatswain Bird Island, a rocky outcrop just off the coast. With the lightest body relative to their wings, these birds can soar for weeks with minimal effort, making them much more at home in the sky than on land. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
Sir David Attenborough takes you inside the most remote, extreme, and jaw-dropping corners of the planet — filmed over four years across 64 countries. Learn more.
Lesson Express
Q: Why do frigate birds travel to Ascension Island?
A: They come to nest in a safe, isolated environment away from predators.
Q: What makes frigate birds unique in their ability to fly?
A: They have extremely light bodies relative to their wings, allowing them to soar for weeks with minimal effort.
Q: Why do the frigate birds prefer to nest on Boatswain Bird Island instead of the main island?
A: The smaller, more remote island provides extra protection and isolation.
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