A World of Birds
Stercorariidae - Skuas and Jaegers
(4 species photographed)
A World of Birds
Stercorariidae - Skuas and Jaegers
(4 species photographed)
There are 8 species in the Stercorariidae family of seabirds. They are medium to large predatory gull-like birds. Jaeger is the name given the skuas found in North America. Skuas and jaegers are gray or brown with white markings on their wings. They have long bills with a hooked tip and large webbed feet with claws. Skuas and jaegers are kleptoparasitic birds. That means they get their food by stealing it from other animals. A large part of their diet, up to 95%, is made up food they steal from other seabirds like gulls and terns. Skuas and jaegers harass and chase other birds in the air and force them to drop whatever it is they are carrying.
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