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Pomarine jaeger

Diputación de Málaga
Pomarine jaeger

Pomarine jaeger

Common namePomarine jaeger
Scientific nameStercorarius pomarinus
HabitatsMarine environment
TypeMarinas
StatusInvernante
Present
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Wintering Summer Resident Migration
Animal Life > Birds

Medium-sized seabird (approx 50 cm or 19.5 in) with an also medium wingspan (approx 125 cm or 4 ft). Plumage of dark tones, long and pointed wings and a tail with two long and twisted, spoon-shaped feathers. There are different shades of plumage, from darker ones to some with lighter underparts. They always have two white carpal spots (lower part of the wing, at the height of the carpal bone). Head with a black forehead and crown; yellowish cheeks, neck and nape; white throat.

Where it lives

Circumpolar species typical of the tundra. Very pelagic habits outside the breeding season. Always far from the coast.

How it lives

Wintering bird and present during its migratory passage in the province and in general in the Mediterranean. It breeds from April. Nest on the ground. One laying of 1 to 3 eggs. Opportunistic and kleptoparasitic species. It feeds by stealing fish from gulls and terns during the winter. In its breeding area the Pomarine Jaeger is able to hunt small mammals and chicks of other birds.

Where it can be seen in Malaga

Species relatively common in the high seas but that can be observed in a timely manner at the Punta de Calaburras and at times of strong gales in the bay of Malaga.

Curious facts

Its Latin name "Stercorarius" makes reference to their feeding on what was once considered to be as dung or excrements from other birds. "Pomarine" (from Greek "pomatos" and "rhinos", "eyelid" and "nose") is a surname given to birds that are capable of developing a membranous covering in the nostrils at some point in their life cycle. This is related to the metabolism of salt and jaegers develop it when they spend time outside the high seas, that is, during their breeding phase.

Routes where it can be observed

More information