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A photo of a Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus)
Parasitic Jaeger

Parasitic Jaeger

Stercorarius parasiticus

The parasitic jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus), also known as the Arctic skua, Arctic jaeger or parasitic skua, is a seabird in the skua family Stercorariidae. Identification is complicated by similarities to long-tailed jaeger and pomarine jaeger, and the existence of three colour morphs. Light-morph adults have a brown back, mainly white underparts and dark primary wing feathers with a white "flash". The head and neck are yellowish-white with a black cap and there is a pointed central tail projection. Dark-morph adults are dark brown, and intermediate-phase birds are dark with somewhat paler underparts, head and neck. All morphs have the white wing flash. Identification of juveniles is even more problematic, and it is difficult to separate parasitic jaegers from long-tailed jaegers. Parasitic jaegers are bulkier, shorter-winged, and less tern-like than long-tailed jaegers. They are usually warmer toned, with browner shades, rather than grey. However, they show the same wide range of plumage variation. The flight is more falcon-like. The parasitic jaeger is the most common of the three jaeger species seen from shore. The typical call of these birds is a nasal mewing sound, repeated a few times in display. Their alarm call is a shorter sound.
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Parasitic Jaegers on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Kate O’Kelly
Kate O’Kelly
Monday 29 May 2023 - 11:56am
United Kingdom
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Harriet Baber
Harriet Baber
Saturday 27 May 2023 - 8:26am
United Kingdom
A photo of a Arctic Skua photographed in Puhkiavanperä Lintutorni, Lumijoki Finland
Profile picture for Lisa Kreye
Lisa Kreye
Friday 19 May 2023 - 3:54pm
Finland
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Andrew Sugden
Andrew Sugden
Friday 19 May 2023 - 2:36pm
United Kingdom
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