New England Seabirds
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South Polar Skua


Catharacta maccormicki

Steve Mirick South Polar Skua
 

South Polar Skua photographed by Steve Mirick in California
Where Does It Breed
Southern hemisphere breeder mostly around Antarctica. Largest population around the Ross Sea Area (3) Breeds from October to February .

Juveniles disperses north and can appear in northern waters during our summer. Appears off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland along with Great Skuas. Adults probably stay close to breeding areas. Competes with the Arctic Tern as a long distance migrant.

While breeding feeds primarily on fish and to a lesser extent on penguins and other seabirds. Hybridizes with Brown Skua.

How To See
Finding South Polar Skua off the east coast is tough. Take an extented pelagic trip that includes the Continental Shelf edge. One was photographed on Stellwagen Bank by Peter Trull. Much easier to see on a California pelagic.
South Polar Skua photographed by Steve Mirick in California.
Great Skua | South Polar Skua | Pomarine Jaeger | Parasitic Jaeger | Long-tailed Jaeger