Species Profile
Pomarine Jaeger
Stercorarius pomarinus
Pomarine Jaeger
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
12–15 years
Length
46–51 cm
Weight
540–910 g
Wingspan
110–138 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Pomarine Skua
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Appearance
The Pomarine Jaeger is a robust seabird with a dark brown upper body and white underparts. It features a distinctive black cap, pale cheeks, and a strong, hooked bill. The bird's central tail feathers are elongated and twisted, giving it a unique silhouette in flight.
During the breeding season, adults develop a golden collar. Juveniles are mottled brown all over and gradually acquire adult plumage over several years. Light and dark color morphs exist, with intermediates between these extremes.
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
Pomarine Jaegers breed in the Arctic tundra across northern North America and Eurasia. They prefer coastal areas and offshore waters during migration and winter.
These birds are found in the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and Arctic Oceans, with some individuals reaching as far south as Australia and South Africa.
During migration periods, they can be observed along the coasts of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Wintering birds may be seen off the coasts of southern US states and occasionally in the waters around the British Isles.
Distribution
Diet
Pomarine Jaegers are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. They often obtain food by harassing other seabirds, forcing them to drop or regurgitate their catch.
During the breeding season, they also prey on small mammals, birds, and eggs found in their tundra habitat.
The availability of lemmings is vital to the survival and success of breeding, with brown rodents forming up to 90 percent of their diet during this period. In years when lemming populations are poor or non-existent, Pomarine Skuas are unable to breed.
Behaviour
Pomarine Jaegers are known for their aggressive kleptoparasitic behavior. They often chase other seabirds to steal their food. They are strong, agile flyers capable of rapid direction changes and impressive aerial maneuvers.
During the breeding season, they become territorial and may perform elaborate courtship displays, including synchronized flights and vocalizations.
Calls & Sounds
Pomarine Jaegers have a variety of vocalizations, including a harsh, guttural 'kyow-ow' call often heard during territorial disputes or when chasing other birds. A harsh, chattering ‘which-yew, which-yew’ call is heard when feeding at sea.
During courtship, they produce a series of mewing sounds and low whistles. Their calls are generally deeper and more resonant than those of other jaeger species.
Nesting & Breeding
Pomarine Jaegers form monogamous pairs and breed in the Arctic tundra. Courtship involves aerial displays and vocalizations, typically occurring in late spring. Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often on raised areas with good visibility.
Females usually lay two olive-green eggs with dark spots. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 25-28 days. The eggs are well-camouflaged against the tundra vegetation.
Chicks are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching. They fledge after about 30-35 days but may remain with their parents for several more weeks before migrating south.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Pomarine Jaegers face threats from climate change affecting their Arctic breeding grounds. Oil spills and marine pollution pose risks during migration and wintering periods.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting critical habitats and reducing human impacts on marine ecosystems.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Pomarine Jaegers along coastlines during migration periods
- Observe their distinctive flight pattern with deep wing beats and glides
- Watch for kleptoparasitic behavior as they chase other seabirds
- Use a spotting scope to identify the twisted central tail feathers
- In North America, check coastal areas in spring and fall for migrating individuals
Did You Know?
- Pomarine Jaegers can fly at speeds of up to 60 km/h (around 38 mph) when pursuing other birds.
- Their scientific name 'pomarinus' means 'having a lid,' referring to the horny cere covering the base of their bill.
- These birds can drink saltwater, thanks to special glands that remove excess salt from their bloodstream.
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