'Pirate Birds’ of the Tropics 180 | National Geographic

This wildlife refuge is on a remote windy island between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. It's dedicated to protecting seabirds, especially the large populations of brown pelicans and magnificent frigate birds that nest here.

Frigate birds have extraordinarily large wing spans, more than six feet wide, and can soar for weeks without landing. They can't land on water because their feathers aren't waterproof, but they're agile enough to forage from the surface of the ocean. They also steal food from other species, which is why they're called pirate birds.

It's estimated that more than 200 pairs of frigate birds breed in this area. The birds thrive here because of the wind and access to fishing, and parts of the island are isolated from predators, making it a safe haven for the birds to have their young. This species is not under imminent threat, but globally, seabirds are in decline because of habitat loss, climate change, and rising sea levels.

Here, the birds are at different stages, from eggs to almost ready to fly. The parents come back each day to feed their young. They build nests out of sticks and twigs. Tourists can visit the area on boats from April to November but must remain 50 meters away from the island. However, permitted biologists and researchers are granted access to the protected area.