Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus)

Identification & Behavior: ~43 cm (19 in).  The Parasitic Jaeger is polymorphic having light, dark, and intermediate morphs in all age stages. The central tail feathers are pointed and project beyond the tail.  The central tail feathers in juveniles barely project beyond the tail. It is more slender that Pomarine Jaeger and bulkier and shorter tailed thank Long-tailed Jaeger. Proper identification of jaegers requires practice.

Status: The Parasitic Jaeger is an uncommon Boreal migrant to the coast of Peru. It is generally present at distances further than 80 km from the coast during the months of October through May. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Salteador Parásito.

Sub-species: Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus), Linnaeus 1758.

Meaning of Name: Stercorarius: L. Stercus, stercoris manure= manure, a reference to how the bird seeks its food by attacking other birds until they regurgitate. parasiticus: L. parasiticus, parasitus= parasitic, parasite.

See more of the Family Stercorariidae