Pomarine Jaeger

Scientific Name: Stercorarius pomarinus
Malay Name: Camar-Lanun Ekor Sudu
Chinese Name: 中贼鸥
Alternative Name(s): Pomarine Skua

Range:
Breeds in the Arctic region and winters south in the temperate and tropical oceans.

Taxonomy:
Monotypic.

Size: 47-61.5 cm

Identification:
The biggest of the three jaegers. Has distinct twisted central tail feathers in the adult breeding plumage. In all plumages, the white feather bases to the primaries and primary coverts gives a "double flash" impression.

Similar looking species: Parasitic Jaeger, Long-tailed Jaeger

Habitat: Open seas.

Behaviour/Ecology: A pelagic species often observed engaging in kleptoparasitism, a behaviour where they snatch food from other less aggressive pelagic birds such as terns.

Local Status: Rare migrant

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2018)

Featured articles:

• First checklist revision for year 2017 (Revisions)

Past accepted records in our database:

Past records, bar chart (see more bar charts):

Pomarine Skua at Singapore Strait. Photo Credit: Con Foley

Pomarine Skua at Singapore Strait. Photo Credit: Con Foley