Parasiticus vs. long-tailed jaeger - Portugal 18/09/2022 (1 Viewer)

[Luís Vieira]

Hi everyone,

I took pictures of 2 juvenile jaegers yesterday (18/09/2022) at Cabo Raso, on the west coast of Portugal near Lisbon, flying ~200 m off the coast. Both are entirely dark blackish-brown:
Photos 1-8: bird 1
Photos 9-12: bird 2

I am having some difficulty in classifying these birds as S. parasiticus or S. longicaudus. This last species is rarely seen on the west coast of Portugal, so I would favour these birds as S. parasiticus. However, both individuals show only a very small white band at the edge of the upper face of the wing. Bird 1 shows a pale beak (clearly seen if you zoom in photo 4) and bird 2 appears to have a long thin tail (observed in photos 10 and 11).

Thanks a lot in advance. Best regards,

Luís

 

[Ratal]

Both Arctic Skuas in differing phases. White wing flash on upper and lower rules out Long Tailed Skua. Lack of barrel chest and deep body rules out Pomarine.

 

[Butty]

White wing flash on upper and lower rules out Long Tailed Skua.

On the underwing, on adult - yes; otherwise, no. I'm not sure why you keep repeating this. The upperwing flash limited to outer primaries fits long-tailed skua.