Brown Skua (Catharacta antarctica)

Greg Lasley Nature Photography
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The Brown Skua (Catharacta antarctica) breeds in the southern oceans almost circumpolarly in places like South Georgia, the Falklands, some areas of Antarctica, some areas of New Zealand and other islands. The taxonomy of these birds is still somewhat controversial. In addition, hybridization is quite common according to some researchers. For the purpose of this web site I'll call this Brown Skua, but it might be referred to as Antarctic Skua by some. This individual was displaying at Cooper Bay, South Georgia, on 27 January 1999 . The photo was taken with a Canon EOS 1N & EF 70-200 F2.8L lens with fill flash mounted on a tripod. The film was Fuji Sensia 100.

Illustrating some plumage differences are the above two Brown Skuas resting on the dark gravel at Gold Harbor, South Georgia, in January, 2003. These digital images were taken with a Canon EOS D60 and EF 70-200mm F/2.8 L IS lens.

The Brown Skua above is stalking by some King Penguins at Gold Harbor, South Georgia, in January, 2003. This image was taken with the same gear as the photos just above.

Brown Skuas are predators as well as scavengers. I watched this individual grab a young Gentoo Penguin from a colony on Cuverville Island, Antarctica, in January, 2003.

The two Brown Skuas above have found a dead Chinstrap Penguin at Bailey Head, Antarctica, in December, 2003. The Chinstrap had probably been mortally injured by a Leopard Seal. This digital image was taken with a Canon EOS 10D and EF 70-200mm F/2.8 L IS lens.

The above image is rather difficult to look at, but illustrates well the behavior of a Brown Skua. An adult Chinstrap Penguin had been mortally injured, presumably by a Leopard Seal (a fairly common occurrence), but was able to get ashore. The penguin, greatly weakened, was able to stand but just barely. Within minutes several Brown Skuas showed up, waiting for the inevitable demise of the penguin. This image was taken in January, 2002, at Bailey Head, Antarctica, with a Canon EOS 1V and EF 70-200mm F/2.8 L IS lens on Fuji Velvia.