Brown Skua

The brown skua, known scientifically as Stercorarius antarcticus, is a formidable seabird of the subantarctic and Antarctic realms. It is also referred to by various names including the Antarctic skua, subantarctic skua, southern great skua, southern skua, or hākoakoa in Māori. This species is the heaviest of the skuas and is comparable in mass to the largest gulls, boasting a body weight that can reach up to 2.18 kilograms.

Identification Tips

Adult brown skuas are characterized by their robust build, with a length ranging from 52 to 64 centimeters and a wingspan extending from 126 to 160 centimeters. They exhibit a dark brown plumage overall, which can appear almost black in certain lighting conditions. Their powerful flight is accompanied by broad wings and a relatively short tail.

Habitat

The brown skua breeds in the harsh environments of the subantarctic and Antarctic zones, where it is well-adapted to the cold and often inhospitable conditions.

Distribution

Outside the breeding season, these birds venture further north, though their movements are not as extensive as some other migratory species.

Behaviour

Brown skuas are known for their assertive nature, particularly when it comes to defending their territory and offspring. They have also been observed to exhibit a remarkable ability to recognize individual humans, suggesting a high level of cognitive ability. In some cases, they have been known to form bonds with humans who spend extended periods in their Antarctic habitat, engaging in playful and sometimes seemingly mischievous interactions.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the brown skua are typically harsh and guttural, serving as a means of communication between individuals, especially during the breeding season.

Breeding

The breeding habits of brown skuas involve nesting in the remote and less accessible areas of the subantarctic and Antarctic regions. They are diligent parents, aggressively defending their nests against potential threats.

Similar Species

The brown skua's taxonomy is complex, with some experts proposing it be split into separate species. It can hybridize with the south polar and Chilean skuas, and has been considered a subspecies of the great skua in the past.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the brown skua is diverse, including fish, which they often obtain through kleptoparasitism, penguin chicks, other seabirds, small mammals, eggs, and carrion. Their opportunistic feeding strategy allows them to thrive in their challenging environment.

Conservation status

Currently, the brown skua is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, it does not face any immediate threat of extinction on a global scale.