Parasitic Jaeger
Parasitic Jaeger
Parasitic Jaeger
Parasitic Jaeger
Parasitic Jaeger
Parasitic Jaeger

Parasitic Jaeger

Stercorarius parasiticus

Alarm Doug Hynes

Mass

~440 g

Habitat

Marine

Diet

Fish and aquatic animals

How to recognize it

Small skua, stockier and shorter-winged than long-tailed jaeger
Dark cap; pale head sides, white breast, warm yellowish neck sides
White wing flash on dark wings; breeding adult with narrow central tail projection
Nasal mewing call, sharp hoarse "kaow"

Parasitic Jaeger has a lean, purposeful look, with long wings and a pointed tail that gives it a sharp, restless outline. Even with different colour forms, it always feels like a fast, sea-going hunter.

It flies with a falcon-like ease and often makes itself known by a harsh, nasal, mewing voice. Around nesting sites it can sound especially insistent and edgy.

It breeds in the far north of Eurasia and North America, then moves to ocean waters and warmer coasts for winter. Its meals often come from snatching food from other seabirds, though it also takes small animals and, at some times of year, berries.