Stercorarius chilensis
The Chilean Skua, also known as the Chilean Jaeger, is a formidable seabird native to the southern tip of South America, renowned for its predatory prowess and opportunistic foraging strategies. Measuring approximately 53-58 cm in length with a wingspan of 130-138 cm and weighing 1.2-1.7 kg, it presents a robust, dark brown plumage, often appearing uniform but revealing a slightly paler belly in good light. A key field mark is the conspicuous white flash formed by pale primary shafts visible ...
This species primarily inhabits cold, temperate coastal areas, breeding on islands, rocky islets, and coastal tundra or open grasslands near the sea. Outside the breeding season, it is largely pelagic, foraging over open ocean and continental shelf waters.
Its omnivorous diet consists primarily of fish, krill, and crustaceans obtained through kleptoparasitism or direct hunting, supplemented by eggs, chicks, and even adult small birds. It also readily scavenges carrion, refuse, and discards from fishing boats.
The Chilean Skua exhibits a diurnal activity pattern, spending much of its day foraging over the sea or resting on coastal perches and water. Its foraging strategies are diverse and highly opportunistic; it is a notorious kleptoparasite, aggressively pursuing gulls, terns, cormorants, and other s...
The Chilean Skua is primarily distributed along the coasts of southern South America. Its breeding range encompasses the coastal regions of southern Chile and Argentina, extending to the Falkland Islands, and occasionally other sub-Antarctic islands such as South Georgia. During the non-breeding ...
Least Concern
- Known as the 'pirate of the sea' due to its notorious kleptoparasitic behavior, forcing other seabirds to drop their prey. - It is one of the largest members of the skua family in its range, a powerful and imposing seabird. - Chilean Skuas are fearless and will fiercely defend their nests and c...