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| Seabirds | Jaegers and Skuas |Parasitic Jaeger | Search Comments | Site Map |
| Parasitic
Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus |
 Parasitic Jaeger photographed by Leonard Medlock |
Arctic Skua (Europe)
Distribution
The Parasitic Jaeger breeds in the northern hemisphere and is almost circumpolar. After breeding migrates to the southern oceans.
Breeding Characteristics
Exhibits mate and site fidelity. In northern locations breeds on the tundra where it feeds on rodents, insects, and berries. On the more southern part of its range it is mainly a coastal breeder. Tends to breed near seabird colonies where its numbers are limited by the Great Skua.
Feeding
The Parasitic Jaeger is the most highly
kletoparasitic of the three Stercorarius jaegers. Even preys on terns. If you
see a jaeger off our coast chasing a tern it is most likely a Parasitic
Jaeger.
Feeds on lemmings, but if the lemming population crashes in
breeding territory it will switch to other food items.
Where To
See
Off our coasts in fall usually immature birds. Breeds at Churchill
in Manitoba and in Alaska.
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Parasitic Jaeger photographed by Leonard Medlock. |
Skuas and Jaegers | Great Skua | South Polar Skua | Pomarine Jaeger | Parasitic Jaeger | Long-tailed Jaeger