Pomarine jaeger

The pomarine jaeger, pomarine skua, or pomatorhine skua, is a seabird in the skua family Stercorariidae. It is a migrant, wintering at sea in the tropical oceans.

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Distribution

Region

Circumpolar Arctic and worldwide oceans

Typical Environment

Breeds across the high Arctic tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia, typically near wetlands and coastal lowlands. During migration it moves along coasts and major oceanic flyways and may appear on large inland lakes. In winter it is highly pelagic over tropical to subtropical oceans, often far from land. It frequents productive upwelling zones and follows fishing vessels for discards.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 500 m

Climate Zone

Other

Characteristics

Size48–63 cm

Wing Span120–140 cm

Male Weight0.85 kg

Female Weight0.95 kg

Life Expectancy16 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Pomarine Jaeger is the largest of the three jaegers and is notorious for kleptoparasitism—harassing gulls and terns to steal their catch. Breeding adults show distinctive twisted, spoon-shaped central tail feathers and a creamy-yellow neck wash. Breeding success often tracks lemming cycles on the Arctic tundra. At sea it ranges widely and can be seen far offshore during migration and winter.

Gallery

This is a large skua at about 45cm length, excluding the central tail feathers of the summer adult, which can add another 10cm or so.

Stercorarius pomarinus - MHNT

Behaviour

Temperament

aggressive and opportunistic

Flight Pattern

powerful flier with steady, purposeful wingbeats and agile harrying chases; capable of dynamic soaring over the sea

Social Behavior

Breeds on the ground on Arctic tundra, typically in dispersed pairs or loose colonies. Both parents incubate and defend the nest vigorously. Clutch size is usually two eggs, and breeding effort varies with lemming abundance.

Migratory Pattern

Seasonal migrant

Song Description

Generally quiet at sea, but near breeding sites gives harsh, nasal yelps and cackling calls. Alarm calls are loud and scolding during territorial defense. Vocalizations are functional rather than musical.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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