Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2023-49
| Common name: |
Parasitic Jaeger |
| Scientific name: | [Stercorarius parasiticus] |
| Date: | 9-10-2023 |
| Time: | 13:00 |
| Length of time observed: | 45 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Juvenile |
| Sex: | |
| Location: | Antelope Island Causeway |
| County: | Davis |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | |
| Optical equipment: | Scope, Binoculars, Camera |
| Weather: | Clear |
| Light Conditions: | Bright |
| Description: Size of bird: | |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Jaeger-shape |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Warm brown |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Thin, down-ward pointed tip |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
A warm brown Jaeger with a moderately thin bill, although not short.
Stout-ish in stature, although not particularly bulky or large-bellied.
Some barring on UTCs, although not overtly bold. Single white wing
flash. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | |
| Behavior: | Perched, gull-chasing |
| Habitat: | Mudflat |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Long-tailed Jaeger would have a much slimmer profile, short and stubby bill, and overall smaller. Pomarine Jaeger would be larger and bulkier with a heftier bill, as well as more boldly barred UTCs and two white wing flashes. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Limited, although I have observed all three species of Jaegers that have occurred in Utah. |
| References consulted: | Skuas and Jaegers: A Guide to the Skuas and Jaegers of the World; Four other birders with more extensive knowledge of Jaegers than I. |
| Description from: |
Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Quinn Diaz |
| Observer's address: | |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 9-11-2023 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |