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Pomarine Jaeger (Stercorarius pomarinus) — photo 1 of 3
© Owen Strickland cc-by

Skuas · Shorebirds

Pomarine Jaeger

Stercorarius pomarinus

Summer visitor

How to recognize it

  • Larger than a Herring Gull, bulky and broad-winged

  • White wing flash shows in flight in any plumage

  • Breeding adults: two central tail feathers form a twisted spoon-like streamer

  • Calls: harsh chattering, nasal repeated notes

About the species

The Pomarine Jaeger looks solid and purposeful in flight, with a heavy, measured way of moving. Adults are easy to remember for the twisted tail streamer, and flying ones also show a clear white patch on the wing.

It is usually quiet, but during display, conflict, or alarm it gives harsh, nasal calls. When feeding, it can be very agile and persistent, and near the nest it reacts boldly to intruders.

It breeds in the Arctic tundra and on islands, then spends the rest of the year out at sea. In the breeding season it feeds mostly on lemmings; later, fish becomes more important, and it ranges far over the ocean.

Where to find

  • Along waterfronts and harbors — where fishing scraps drift near piers, its low, steady flight and harsh calls stand out.

  • During migration, watch the shoreline, breakwaters, and long piers, where the broad wings and the white wing flash are easiest to catch.

  • After storms, it may drop onto empty beaches and rocky edges by the water, scanning for fish and trotting a few quick steps between stops.

  • Near fishing boats and fish-processing docks, it often circles alone or in small loose groups, swooping down for discarded catch.

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