Nazca Frigate Bird

The figure has a long beak, extended wings, and a deeply forked tail resembling a frigatebird. That identification is notable because the geoglyph lies on an inland desert plateau while frigatebirds are associated with Pacific coastal waters.

Its makers cleared the dark, oxidized surface stones to expose lighter ground underneath. This negative-geoglyph technique was used for many animal and geometric figures on the Nazca plateau.

Only portions of a large Nazca figure are readily understandable while standing beside it. Elevated viewpoints and aerial images make the bird's outline much easier to recognize.

Its apparent marine subject suggests awareness of animals from Peru's Pacific coast despite the figure's desert location. It is one of several Nazca biomorphs that connect the plateau's imagery with a wider regional environment.