Species BirdsParasitic Jaeger

Parasitic Jaeger

Stercorarius parasiticus

UncommonBird
Illustration of Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus)

The Parasitic Jaeger is the most commonly encountered jaeger in North American coastal waters, where it aggressively chases terns and gulls to steal their food — a strategy called kleptoparasitism. It comes in light and dark color morphs. The central tail feathers of adults project into sharp points. It breeds on arctic tundra where it actively hunts lemmings and birds.

Habitat
Open ocean in winter; arctic tundra in summer
Diet
Fish stolen from other seabirds, lemmings, and birds
How common
Uncommon

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