Stercorarius maccormicki
The South Polar Skua (Stercorarius maccormicki) is a robust, medium-large seabird, measuring approximately 50-55 cm in length with an impressive wingspan of 120-140 cm and weighing 0.9-1.6 kg. Its plumage is remarkably variable, typically dark brown overall, but can range from uniformly sooty to paler individuals with a distinct pale nape and underparts, sometimes giving a "hooded" appearance. A key identification feature in flight is the prominent white flash at the base of its primary feath...
Breeds on the coasts and islands of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic; otherwise, it is entirely pelagic, spending its non-breeding season far out at sea across all major oceans, from sea level to thousands of kilometers from land.
Highly opportunistic and varied, consisting of fish, cephalopods, crustaceans, carrion, and the eggs and chicks of other seabirds, especially penguins and petrels; frequently engages in kleptoparasitism to steal food from other birds.
The South Polar Skua is a fiercely opportunistic and highly active diurnal predator, exhibiting a unique blend of hunting prowess and kleptoparasitism. During the breeding season, pairs establish territories, often near penguin or petrel colonies, defending them aggressively with intimidating aer...
The South Polar Skua exhibits a circumpolar breeding distribution along the coasts of continental Antarctica and numerous sub-Antarctic islands, including the South Shetland, South Orkney, and South Sandwich Islands, as well as parts of the Antarctic Peninsula. Following the breeding season, thes...
Least Concern
- The South Polar Skua undertakes one of the longest migratory journeys of any bird, traveling from the Antarctic to the Northern Hemisphere oceans and back annually. - It is often referred to as the "Antarctic Hawk" or "Antarctic Pirate" due to its predatory nature and kleptoparasitic foraging s...