Basic Description
The Long-tailed Jaeger (Stercorarius longicaudus) is a medium-sized bird that belongs to the skua family. It measures around 40–47 cm in length and has a wingspan of approximately 110 cm. The bird’s plumage varies depending on its age and gender, but generally, it features dark brown or black feathers with white markings on its wings.
Where To Find This Bird
The Long-tailed Jaeger is found in various regions throughout the world during different seasons. They breed in Arctic regions of North America, Europe, Asia, and Greenland. During non-breeding periods they can be seen migrating along the coasts of South America, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Habitat
Long-tailed Jaegers prefer to nest within tundra habitats close to freshwater sources such as rivers or lakes. During migration season they will stay close to coastal areas where food sources are readily available.
Food
Long-tailed Jaegers are skilled predators who have no qualms about stealing meals from other birds like gulls and terns! Their diet consists mainly of fish caught near water surfaces by using their sharp talons to snatch prey out of the air or off the surface of water bodies.
During breeding season when there isn’t much access to marine life at their nesting sites they eat smaller animals like rodents.
Cool Facts
– Juvenile Long-tailed Jaegers often mimic other birds’ calls so that they can sneak up on them for an easy meal.
– These birds have been known to fly up high into storm clouds where strong winds can carry them across thousands of miles!
– Long-lateral tail feathers measuring around 20cm earned this species its name “longicaudus”.
– Researchers have tied little cameras onto the backs of these birds to study their hunting techniques in flight.
Overall, the Long-tailed Jaeger is an adaptable and resourceful bird that can survive harsh Arctic winter breeding conditions while adapting to different habitats during migration periods. Its sharp talons and stealth flying make it a formidable predator for its size, even among other predatory bird species!
