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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.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
This species ranges from 46 to 67 cm (18 to 26 in) in length, 110 to 138 cm (43 to 54 in) in wingspan and 540–920 g (1.19–2.03 lb) in weight. The upper limit of the length includes the elongated tail streamer of breeding adults, which is about 10 cm (3.9 in) in length. Identification of this jaeger is complicated by its similarities to parasitic jaeger and the existence of three morphs. Pomarine jaegers are larger than common gulls. They are much bulkier, broader-winged and less falcon-like than the parasitic jaeger, but show the same wide range of plumage variation.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Mauritania, Algeria, Kenya, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos Islands, Bangladesh, Iran, Yemen, Jersey, Mauritius, Mayotte, São Tomé & Príncipe, Antigua & Barbuda, Curaçao, St. Barthélemy, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Tonga.
When to see it
Peak activity in September · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Long-tailed JaegerStercorarius longicaudusThis species is unmistakable as an adult, with grey back, dark primary wing feathers without a white "flash", black cap and very long tail.
Great SkuaStercorarius skuaGreat skuas measure 50–58 cm (20–23 in) long and have a 125–140 cm (49–55 in) wingspan.
Chilean SkuaStercorarius chilensisChilean skuas tend to be dark on their back, flanks, and cheeks, and uniformly light underneath.
Side by side: Parasitic Jaeger vs Pomarine Jaeger · Long-tailed Jaeger vs Pomarine Jaeger · Great Skua vs Pomarine Jaeger
Learn the Pomarine Jaeger for real
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