Brown Skua
Subantarktikskua ( Stercorarius antarcticus )
The Subantarktikskua ( Stercorarius antarcticus ), also known as Brown Skua, is a seabird of the family of skuas ( Stercorariidae ). Their systematic classification is very controversial and the scientific name is therefore depending on the author Lestris antarcticus or Catharacta antarctica. She has three subspecies, Stercorarius antarcticus antarcticus, Stercorarius antarcticus lonnbergi and Stercorarius antarcticus hamiltoni.
Features
The plumage of the Subantarktikskua is relatively dark. Except for the area around the eyes and the tail section all the feathers are brown and have little brighter spots. The feathers around the eyes, and the tail feathers are dark brown to black. The visible in flight wing insides have a clearly visible white spot, which has a triangular shape.
Food
Subantarktikskuas feed mainly on fish, smaller sea birds as well as of penguin chicks. Her dark gray beak has a very sharp hook.
Dissemination
The Subantarktikskua broods on the southern tip of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, New Zealand and some Antarctic islands such as the Falkland Islands. A long time it was assumed that this kind would only breed on the Falkland Islands. 1978, a breeding bird on the Patagonian coast have been described. In the Falkland Islands the Subantarktikskua is a common species that breeds tend to be more in the coastal area.