Species BirdsPomarine Jaeger

Pomarine Jaeger

Stercorarius pomarinus

UncommonBird
Illustration of Pomarine Jaeger (Stercorarius pomarinus)

The Pomarine Jaeger is the largest jaeger, a powerful, barrel-chested pirate of the sea that chases and harasses other seabirds to steal their catch. Adult light-morphs in breeding plumage have twisted, spoon-shaped central tail feathers that are unique among jaegers. It winters offshore and is regularly seen from coastal headlands during migration.

Habitat
Open ocean and coastal waters during migration; Arctic tundra when breeding
Diet
Fish stolen from other seabirds; lemmings on breeding grounds
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Pomarine Jaeger

The best time to see a Pomarine Jaeger is June–October, when about 68% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 741 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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