Satellite Telemetry Reveals the First Record of the Ascension Frigatebird (Fregata aquila) for the Americas

We present the first record of the Ascension Frigatebird (Fregata aquila) for the Americas by retrieving coordinates from an individual equipped with a satellite transmitting device. As part of a wider study on the spatial and behavioral ecology of this species, we tracked a single juvenile frigatebird that entered into Brazilian waters as defined in the guidelines set forth by the Brazilian Ornithological Records Committee and the South American Checklist Committee. In total, this individual traveled ∼45,000 km over a 3.5-month period before transmissions ceased close to the exclusive economic zone of Sierra Leone. Based on the potential for this species to wander, the Ascension Frigatebird should be considered when attempting to identify any frigatebird in the Atlantic Ocean. Importantly, this record demonstrates the great potential for satellite telemetry to inform national ornithological and conservation organizations on the presence of pelagic seabirds that may otherwise be overlooked by visual surveys.