Pomarine Jaeger (Stercorarius pomarinus)

Identification & Behavior: ~47 cm (18.5 in).  The Pomarine Jaeger is polymorphic having light, dark, and intermediate morphs in all age stages. Most juveniles are dark. The central tail feathers in adults project well beyond the tail and are broad, rounded, and twisted 90 degrees.  The Central tail feathers in juveniles barely project. It is larger and bulkier than other Jaegers. It is distinguished from the Parasitic Jaeger and Long-tailed Jaeger by tail composition and larger size.

Status: The Pomarine Jaeger is the more common of the Boreal migrant jaegers in the coast of Peru. It is generally present at distance 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 Pomarino.

Sub-species: Pomarine Jaeger (Stercorarius pomarinus), Temminck 1815.

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. pomarinus: Gr. Poma, pömatos= cap and rhinos, rhis= nostrils, nose.

See more of the Family Stercorariidae