also: ぐんかんどり
frigatebird
A large tropical seabird with long wings and a forked tail, known for stealing food from other birds. The Japanese name literally means 'warship bird'.
Frigatebirds are known for stealing food from other birds.
Alternate reading, less common. The kanji form 軍艦鳥 can also be read this way.
Compound of 軍艦 (gunkan, 'warship') and 鳥 (chō/dori, 'bird'), referring to the bird's aggressive behavior and imposing silhouette.