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Subantarctic Skua
Subantarctic skuas (Catharacta skua) have grey-brown
or dark-brown wings with conspicuous white patches,
a wedge-shaped tail, and a black, short heavy bill.
Subantarctic skuas have a far ranging distribution and
can be found from the subantarctic to as far north as
the subtropics, including Australian, New Zealand, South
African and South American coasts. Small numbers of
Subantarctic skuas have been observed foraging at Antarctic
islands, but they do not breed there.
Although most adult birds leave their colonies during
winter, on some islands off the coast of New Zealand,
a large proportion of the population will stay near
the colonies all year round.
Subantarctic skuas scavenge and predate upon other seabirds
and their young, eggs, fish, molluscs, crustaceans and
small mammals, they also scavenge on afterbith and carcasses
of seals. Their diet is very broad depending on season
and their locality.
Subantarctic skuas breed during summer months and will
typically lay 2 eggs. They will often nest on elevated
grasslands or in sheltered rocky areas adjacent to penguin
colonies. They will defend their territories vigorously
against all intruders including other skuas and petrels.
Some birds choose not to nest in the colonies, but will
establish solitary nesting sites.
The estimated lifespan of Subantarctic skuas is approximately
11 years.
Size: 52-64
cm
Wingspan: 126-160 cm
(info
from AADC
Fact Files - Eric Woehler, and Yuzuru Hyakutake.)
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