Pomarine jaeger

Introduction: Pomarine jaegers (Stercorarius pomarinus) inhabit inshore waters, coastal wetlands and sheltered bays usually singly or in groups of up to 10. They roost at sea in flocks of around 20 and on occasions have been observed roosting ashore along the Skeleton Coast, possibly due to the strong and imposing wave movements forcing them to the shore.

Distribution: Migrates to the waters off the Atlantic Coast from Walvis Bay, Swakopmund north along the Skeleton Coast to the estuary of the Kunene River where they are more common.

Diet: Scavenges around fishing vessels for fish and will take prey from other birds. Is know to eat small seabirds.

Description: Pomarinus refers to the sheath which partly covers the nostril in the breeding season.

Breeding: Breeds north of the Arctic Circle migrating south to warmer Namibian waters.

Size: 65cm (excluding tail streamers).

Weight: 700g.

Wingspan: 125cm.