Monotypic
Also known as Subantarctic Skua

 

Identification

A member of the complex large skua group. Separation of this form from Great Skua remains challenging.

Bearhop and colleagues have argued that dark juvenile Great Skuas are more frequent that previously thought, complicating the identification of Brown and South Polar Skuas (Bearhop et al. 1998).
 

Where and When

Vegetarian Steve Smith watches with trepidation as a Brown Skua devours a delicious meal of fermented Elephant Seal hide on Macquarie Island, Australia. Photo copyright of Angus Wilson.
 

Literature

Balch, L. G. (1981) Identifying the Skuas in the ABA Area. Birding13(6): p190-201

Bearhop, S., Furness, R. and Zonfrillo, B. (1998) Identification of Catharacta skuas: variability in juvenile Great Skuas. Birding World 11(9): p355-359.

Olsen, K. M. and Larsson, H. (1997) Skuas and Jaegers: A Guide to the Skuas and Jaegers of the World Date. Yale University Press.