Feeding Behavior

Forages at sea by dipping to surface in flight to catch fish, by catching small birds in flight, also by harassing other birds and forcing them to drop their food. Forages over land mostly by hovering and dropping on prey.

Eggs

2, rarely 1-3. Olive to brown, blotched with dark brown. Incubation is by both parents, 25-27 days. Young: May leave nest a few days after hatching, but remain in general area, are fed by both parents. Age at first flight about 31-27 days; dependent on parents at least 2 more weeks.

Young

May leave nest a few days after hatching, but remain in general area, are fed by both parents. Age at first flight about 31-27 days; dependent on parents at least 2 more weeks.

Diet

Includes fish, rodents, birds. Diet varies with location. At sea, usually eats fish, also smaller birds and some carrion or refuse. Breeding birds feed heavily on lemmings and other rodents; non-breeding birds in summer around tundra have more varied diet, including birds, eggs, fish, carrion, insects.

Nesting

At least in some regions, much more likely to nest in years when rodent populations are high. Birds younger than 4-5 years old attempt nesting only in such good seasons. Defends nesting territory against other species of jaegers. In courtship, members of pair face each other, vibrating wings and calling. Male may feed female. Nest site is on open ground, sometimes on slightly raised ridge or hummock. Nest (built by both sexes) a shallow depression, often lined with bits of plant material.