ID Keys: 2 very long, pointed central tail feathers extend well past
other tail feathers, black cap, white chest.
Long-tailed
Jaegers are birds of the Arctic tundra and open ocean, seen only rarely inland
and very rarely in South Dakota. Adult birds are readily identifiable by the two
very long, pointed central tail feathers that extend well past the rest of the
tail. Like many species in Arctic, they are very dependent upon vole and
lemming populations, with nesting success usually directly related to yearly
populations of these small mammals.
Habitat
Spends summer breeding season on Arctic tundra.
Spends winters over open ocean, usually staying off-shore, and very rarely found
inland.
Diet
Feeds very heavily on
lemmings and voles on its breeding grounds. Also eats fish, squid,
insects, birds and eggs, berries, carrion, and refuse.
Behavior
Hunts by hovering over the landscape,
then swooping down and capturing prey when spotted. Very graceful and
agile fliers, they will also sometimes capture prey (insects) while in
flight. They will also take prey from the surface of the water while
swimming.
Breeding
Non-breeder in South Dakota
Song
In flight phew-phew-phew.
Migration
Summers in the Arctic. Winters over open oceans, primarily in the
Southern Hemisphere and well out into the ocean, rarely near land.
