Chilean Skua
A species of Jaegers Scientific name : Stercorarius chilensis Genus : Jaegers
Chilean Skua, A species of Jaegers
Botanical name: Stercorarius chilensis
Genus: Jaegers
Content
Description
Photo By Mirko Thiessen , used under CC-BY-SA-2.5 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Chilean skua, also called the cinnamon skua (Stercorarius chilensis), is a large predatory seabird, which breeds in Argentina and Chile, but ranges as far north as Brazil and Peru when not breeding. A relatively distinctive skua, it has a dark cap that contrasts with its cinnamon throat and lower face. Hybrids with the brown skua are known from southern Argentina. While nowhere near the size of birds such as the wandering albatross, the Chilean skua makes up for it in sheer aggression towards other birds. Chilean skuas feed on fish and other seabirds, as well as scraps, and carrion.
Size
58 cm
Feeding Habits
Chilean Skua is opportunistic, preying on small seabirds and engaging in kleptoparasitism. It feeds on eggs, young, and adult birds, scavenges at dumps, and forages intertidally. Chilean Skua targets fishery discards and frequents hake fisheries.
Habitat
The habitat of chilean Skua is predominantly marine and coastal, primarily found in channels and straits. These birds generally breed on remote islands and are often associated with the coastal regions of the Southern Cone of South America.
Dite type
Scavenger
Photo By Mirko Thiessen , used under CC-BY-SA-2.5 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Shorebirds Family
Skuas and jaegers Genus
Jaegers Species
Chilean Skua