Brown Skua

Overview

The brown skua (Stercorarius antarcticus), also known as the Antarctic or subantarctic skua, is a large seabird that breeds in subantarctic and Antarctic zones. It is the heaviest species of skua, rivaling the largest gulls in mass within the shorebird order.

Identification

• Body length ranges from 52–64 cm with a wingspan of 126–160 cm.
• Body mass is substantial, ranging from 1.2–2.18 kg.
• Rivals the great black-backed gull and glaucous gull in weight, though not in length or wingspan.

Habitat

This species breeds in subantarctic and Antarctic zones, moving further north during non-breeding periods. Its three subspecies occupy specific ranges: the subantarctic subspecies, the Falkland Islands subspecies, and the Tristan da Cunha subspecies.

Diet

Brown skuas feed on fish, often acquired via kleptoparasitism, as well as penguin chicks, other seabirds, small mammals, eggs, and carrion.

Did you know?

A 2016 study reported that brown skuas can identify individual human beings, suggesting high cognitive abilities. They have also been observed bonding with humans in Antarctica, such as the Eastern Orthodox clergymen at Trinity Church, and engaging in playful or mischievous behaviour.