This robust, predatory, circumpolar species breeds in Canada mainly along the Arctic coast and low Arctic islands. It winters on the open ocean, south to Peru and eastern Australia in the Pacific, and to northern South America and western Africa in the Atlantic. Apparently, it migrates to its breeding grounds via the open sea, so is a rare accidental visitor to Alberta .
Non-breeding birds have been reported in northern Alberta in summer, and during late September and October on the Glenmore Reservoir in Calgary.
All species of Jaegers (pronounced Yay'-gurs) pursue gulls and terns,
forcing them to disgorge their food. With a graceful swoop, they snap up
the jettisoned fish or other food item before it hits the water. They are
capable of capturing their own food, mainly fish, small mammals and large
insects. When other food is scarce, they will hunt adult birds, mainly
shorebirds. Because they lack the feet of raptors, a pair have to work
together to pull the victim apart. They also eat eggs and young birds, and
will take carrion.
They nesting solitarily on the ground, in swampy areas of level tundra. The nest is a shallow hollow in moss, rarely lined. Two, sometimes three, eggs are laid, incubated by both sexes for 24-28days. The young fly at 27-33 days and are independent at seven to eight weeks of age.
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Where to find Pomarine Jaegers in Alberta
This species occurs very rarely during the autumn migration period. Watch for Pomarine Jaegers during September and October in amongst flocks of gulls on the Glenmore Reservoir. Brent Johner
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