Colours

Distinguishing features

Light morph adults have a brown back, mainly white underparts and dark primary wing feathers with a white "flash". The head and neck are yellowish-white with a black cap and there is a pointed central tail projection, the tail streamers.  In breeding birds these can be around 7 cm in length.

Dark morph adults are dark brown, and intermediate phase birds are dark with somewhat paler underparts, head and neck. All morphs have the white wing flash.

Juveniles are difficult to separate from Long-tailed Jaeger. They are bulkier, shorter-winged, and less tern-like than that species, but show the same wide range of plumage variation. The flight is more falcon-like. However, they are usually warmer toned with browner shades, rather than grey. (Wikipedia)

Size

Wingspan

Synonyms

Distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

This species breeds in the north of Eurasia and North America, with significant populations as far south as northern Scotland. It is a migrant, wintering at sea in the tropics and southern oceans.  It is a visitor to Austalia. (Wikipedia)

Web resources