Long-tailed Jaeger
NameLong-tailed Jaeger
Common NameLong-tailed Jaeger
Scientific NameStercorarius longicaudus
FamilyStercorariidae
Wingspan (cm)100
Length (cm)38
Weight (g)290
Plumage DetailsAdults have a dark cap, white cheeks and neck, pale grey upperparts, and white underparts. The primary feathers are dark. The most distinctive feature is the two very long, slender central tail streamers, which can add 15-20 cm to its length.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include high-pitched, trilling calls, often described as a rapid 'kree-kree-kree' or 'kya-kya-kya', especially around breeding colonies.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatstundra, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the Arctic tundra regions of North America, Eurasia, and Greenland. It undertakes long-distance migrations, wintering at sea in tropical and subtropical oceans across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Identifying Featuresexceptionally long central tail streamers (breeding adults), dark cap contrasting with white cheeks and neck, slender body and agile flight, pale grey upperparts and white underparts
Description
The Long-tailed Jaeger is a slender, elegant seabird of the Arctic tundra, known for its exceptionally long central tail streamers during breeding season. It exhibits agile, buoyant flight and is often observed harassing other birds to steal their catch.
