Long-tailed Jaeger

Overview

The long-tailed jaeger (Stercorarius longicaudus) is the smallest seabird in the skua family Stercorariidae, known for its distinctively long tail. As the IUCN Red List categorises it as Least Concern, this species is currently not facing immediate extinction threats globally.

Identification

• Adults are unmistakable with a grey back, black cap, dark primary wing feathers lacking a white flash, and a very long tail that can include streamers up to 15 cm long.
• The smallest skua, measuring 38–58 cm in length with a wingspan of 102–117 cm and a body mass of 230–444 g.
• Juveniles are colder toned and greying shades rather than brown, appearing slimmer and more tern-like than parasitic jaegers but difficult to distinguish at sea.
• Breeding adults make yelping and rattling sounds, while non-breeding birds have a harsh 'kreeah' cry.

Habitat

This species breeds in the high Arctic tundra of Eurasia and North America, with major populations in Russia, Alaska, and Canada. It is a migrant that winters in the south Atlantic and Pacific, typically spending time over open ocean. Nesting sites are located on dry tundra or higher fells.

Diet

At sea, it catches fish and small prey at the surface, but during the breeding season it feeds mainly on lemmings near nesting sites. It is a kleptoparasite that chases other seabirds, such as Arctic terns and Sabine's gulls, to steal food, which is particularly important in winter. Its diet also includes insects, small birds, fruit, and carrion.

Did you know?

Passage juvenile birds sometimes hunt for small prey in ploughed fields or golf courses and are typically quite fearless of humans. The name 'jaeger' is derived from the German word for 'hunter', reflecting the bird's aggressive behaviour towards other species.