There are 7 species in this family of seabirds.

They are medium to large predatory gull-like birds. Jaeger is the name given the skuas found in North America.

Skuas and jaegers are gray or brown with white markings on their wings. They have long bills with a hooked tip and large webbed feet with claws.

Skuas and jaegers are kleptoparasitic birds. That means they get their food by stealing it from other animals. A large part of their diet, up to 95%, is made up of food they steal from other seabirds like gulls and terns.

Skuas and jaegers harass and chase other birds in the air and force them to drop whatever it is they are carrying. Some species also chase birds on the ground to steal their food. Once the other bird has dropped its catch, the skua or jaeger will swoop down and catch the food before it hits the water or the ground.

When they are on their breeding grounds, they also prey on eggs, chicks, and lemmings.