 Care of young is protracted, extending for as long as six months, among the longest for birds.For example, once common guillemot chicks fledge, they remain with the male parent for several months at sea.The frigatebirds have the longest period of parental care of any bird except a few raptors and the southern ground hornbill, with each chick fledging after four to six months and continued assistance after that for up to fourteen months.