Pomarine Jaeger Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  Bulky gull-like seabird; the largest and most barrel chested of the three jaegers. At all ages, note broad wings. Breeding adults are unique with elongated spoon-shaped central tail feathers. Bill is also thicker than other jaegers.

  Relative Size

  Larger than a Parasitic Jaeger; smaller than a Herring Gull.

  between crow and goose

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 16.5-24.0 in (42-61 cm)
    • Weight: 18.4-30.1 oz (521-852 g)
    • Wingspan: 45.3-52.0 in (115-132 cm)

• Color Pattern

  Note blackish-brown upperparts, messy black cap that extends below the bill, and extensive white flash on upper and underside of outer wing. Rare dark morph adult is entirely blackish-brown but still has white wing flashes. Immature birds are variable, but in general they are barred with brown above and have bold black-and-white bars on the underwing and undertail coverts. Typically shows white shafts on 6 to 8 outer wing feathers (more than other jaegers) and more obvious white flash on underwing.

• Behavior

  All jaegers chase other birds and steal their food. Pomarine Jaegers have a powerful, direct flight style and are less acrobatic than the smaller jaegers.

• Habitat

  Breeds on Arctic tundra, spends the rest of the year at sea.