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10 Pirate Birds of the Sky

Oct14,2024

Credit: Pixabay

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Stercorarius skua Iceland 8

Known as the "pirate of the seas," the Great Skua uses aggressive tactics to steal food from other seabirds. 

Credit: Pixabay

Great Skua 

Fregata magnificens Galapagos Ecuador male 8 1

With its sleek build and acrobatic flight, the Magnificent Frigatebird often steals fish from other birds in a behavior known as kleptoparasitism.

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Magnificent Frigatebird 

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Although famous for its long migrations, the Arctic Tern exhibits pirate behavior by swooping in to snatch fish from other birds or small mammals.

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Magnificent Frigatebird 

Jaegers are well-known avian pirates that relentlessly chase and harass other seabirds, compelling them to give up their freshly caught meals.

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Pomarine Jaeger  

As the name suggests, this jaeger species frequently robs other seabirds of their food, swooping down with speed and precision to make off with the catch.

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Parasitic Jaeger  

While usually a skilled diver, the Brown Booby is not above stealing fish from other seabirds, especially when opportunities for easy meals arise.

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Brown Booby 

Another notorious kleptoparasite, the South Polar Skua is adept at stealing penguin eggs and scavenging fish from other marine birds.

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South Polar Skua  

With its opportunistic feeding habits, the Herring Gull is often seen snatching food from picnics, beaches, or other seabirds, living up to its reputation as a crafty scavenger.

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Herring Gull 

Known for its aggressive behavior, this gull preys on other birds' eggs and young and isn't shy about stealing food from other seabirds.

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Lesser Black-backed Gull  

While it mostly hunts fish and squid by diving, the Red-footed Booby may resort to piracy when conditions are challenging, grabbing prey from other birds.

Credit: Pixabay

Red-footed Booby