Species Profile
Arctic Jaeger
Stercorarius parasiticus
Parasitic Jaeger
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Parasitic Jaeger, Arctic Skua
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Appearance
The Arctic Jaeger is a medium-sized seabird with a streamlined body and pointed wings. It exhibits two colour morphs: light and dark. Light morphs have white underparts and dark grey-brown upperparts, while dark morphs are uniformly dark brown.
Both morphs feature distinctive white patches on the wings and elongated central tail feathers.
Both sexes have the same plumage, although females are typically 15 to 20 percent larger than males. Juveniles lack the long tail streamers and have more mottled plumage.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Arctic Jaegers breed in the Arctic tundra across northern Eurasia and North America. They prefer coastal areas and islands with low vegetation for nesting. During winter, they migrate to southern oceans, ranging widely across temperate and tropical seas.
In the UK, they can be observed breeding in northern Scotland and the Northern Isles. Outside the breeding season, they may be spotted along coastlines during migration.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Cornwall
East Riding of Yorkshire
Kent
Northumberland
Norfolk
North Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
Diet
Arctic Jaegers primarily feed on fish, often stolen from other seabirds. They also hunt small birds, rodents, and insects during the breeding season. Their diet is supplemented with berries and other plant matter when available in their Arctic breeding grounds.
They are infamous for stealing food (kleptoparasitism) from other birds, harassing species like gulls in the air until they regurgitate their last meal, which the nimble Jaeger snatches mid-air or from the water below.
Behaviour
Arctic Jaegers are known for their aggressive kleptoparasitic behaviour. They often chase other seabirds to steal their food. They are highly manoeuvrable in flight and perform acrobatic aerial pursuits.
During the breeding season, they fiercely defend their territories, dive-bombing intruders, including humans.
Calls & Sounds
Arctic Jaegers have a variety of calls, including a sharp, repeated 'kee-ow' during territorial displays. When pursuing other birds, they emit a rapid series of 'kip-kip-kip' sounds. During courtship, pairs produce soft mewing calls. They are usually silent away from their breeding grounds.
Nesting & Breeding
Arctic Jaegers form monogamous pairs and breed during the short Arctic summer. They typically arrive at breeding grounds in May or June. Courtship involves aerial displays and ground ceremonies.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often on slightly elevated areas. Females lay 1-2 olive-green eggs with dark spots. Both parents share incubation duties.
The incubation period lasts about 25-28 days. Chicks fledge after 25-30 days but remain dependent on parents for several more weeks.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Arctic Jaegers face threats from climate change affecting their Arctic breeding grounds. Ocean pollution and overfishing can impact their food sources.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding habitats and maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Arctic Jaegers along coastlines during migration periods
- Observe their distinctive flight pattern with rapid wingbeats and glides
- Watch for their kleptoparasitic behaviour as they chase other seabirds
- In the UK, visit northern Scotland or the Shetland Islands during summer for breeding populations
Did You Know?
- Arctic Jaegers can fly at speeds of up to 60 km/h when chasing other birds.
- They can travel over 14,000 km (8,700 miles) during their annual migration.
- Their scientific name, 'parasiticus', refers to their kleptoparasitic feeding behaviour.
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