Compared to the male, the female is larger. Identifying adults is less difficult than younger birds. Male adults have red throats, virtually all black bodies, and white spurs that extend from the body onto the wings. Adult females have comparable white spurs on their sides, a black belly and throat, and a white breast and rear collar. When it is feasible to compare, juvenile and immature plumages are best distinguished from those of other frigatebirds by size. Except while mating on oceanic islands, they are mostly silent. Strongly pelagic in the non-breeding season, however birds from continental coasts may be detected if they are wind-blown or exhausted.