parasitic jaeger

The parasitic jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus) is a species of seabird belonging to the genus Stercorarius. These birds are characterized by their rapacious nature and a resemblance to dark gulls, featuring a forward-set black cap and distinctive projecting central tail feathers.1

Parasitic jaegers, like other jaegers, have two color phases: entirely brown, or more commonly, brown on their upper side and white underneath. They nest in Arctic tundra before migrating to sea, with some traveling as far as Australia and New Zealand. While at sea, they catch fish themselves. However, during their nesting season along coasts, they exhibit parasitic behavior by forcing other seabirds, such as terns and kittiwakes, to disgorge their food. They also destroy the eggs and young of other seabirds and prey on land birds and rodents. The parasitic jaeger is intermediate in body size compared to the other two jaeger species.1