There are seven species in the Stercorariidae family of seabirds. They are found across the world’s oceans, especially in cold and temperate regions.

Skuas and jaegers are medium- to large-sized seabirds that look a bit like gulls. In North America, the smaller species are usually called jaegers, while the larger species are known as skuas.

Most skuas and jaegers are brown, gray, or blackish with white markings on their wings. They have strong bodies, pointed wings, hooked bills, and large webbed feet with sharp claws.

These birds are famous for a behavior called kleptoparasitism, which means stealing food from other animals. They often chase gulls, terns, puffins, and other seabirds until the frightened bird drops or regurgitates its food. The skua or jaeger then quickly catches the meal, sometimes before it reaches the water.

Although stealing food is important for many species, skuas and jaegers also hunt for their food. During the breeding season, they eat fish, insects, eggs, chicks, and small mammals such as lemmings. Some species rely heavily on these foods and use kleptoparasitism less often.

Most species breed in the Arctic or subarctic regions and spend the rest of the year at sea, often traveling long distances across the oceans.