South Polar Skua
Catharacta maccormicki
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<birdfyi-bird slug="catharacta-maccormicki"></birdfyi-bird>The South Polar Skua (Catharacta maccormicki) is a bird species in the family Stercorariidae (skuas & jaegers), within the order Charadriiformes (shorebirds & gulls). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 77.4 cm and a weight of 1.3 kg. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
South Polar Skua, 50–55 cm, breeds on the Antarctic continent — one of the world's most southerly breeding birds, recorded at the South Pole. Strong migratory; winters in the North Pacific and North Atlantic, crossing the equator. Polymorphic; feeds on penguins, fish, and krill. Circumglobal migration.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 77.4 cm | 30.5 in |
| Weight | 1315.0 g | 46.39 oz |
Habitat & Range
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 28-31 days. Fledging: 36-45 days.
Clutch Size
1-2
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes (Shorebirds & Gulls) |
| Family | Stercorariidae (Skuas & Jaegers) |
| Genus | Catharacta |
| Species | Catharacta maccormicki |
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the South Polar Skua endangered?
How does the South Polar Skua nest?
How big is the South Polar Skua?
What order and family does the South Polar Skua belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Stercorariidae family