I agree with Nikolas that this is a pale morph Jaeger in very worn plumage,
definitely not a Pomarine Jaeger, most probably an Arctic Jaeger rather than
a Long-tailed (because of the pale blaze - but there is only a small amount
of white at the base of the primaries which leaves me a little unsure).
However, I have more of a problem accepting that it is an adult as the white
spots on the mantle look to be remnants of juvenile barring the presence of
which I can't explain in an adult. Perhaps Nikolas or others can. Therefore
I would be happier considering this to be an 18 month old bird in second
winter plumage, two or three years short of a full adult. But another
perhaps age related feature is the white tips to the primaries. When in
juveniles these white tips form a series of chevrons they are said to be
diagnostic of Arctic Jaeger (Olsen & Larsson 1997).
Jaegers are notoriously difficult to ID and photographs of open wings
particularly underwings are very helpful in this process.
Mike Carter
30 Canadian Bay Road
Mount Eliza VIC 3930
Tel (03) 9787 7136
|