Págalo Grande
South Polar Skua
Catharacta maccormicki
Song
South Polar Skua
Appearance: The South Polar Skua is a large seabird characterized by its robust build and distinctive coloration. Adults exhibit a brown coloration with lighter mottling on the wings and head. Their underparts are lighter brown or gray, and they have a stark white patch on the wings that is more visible in flight. They possess a stout, hooked beak and long, pointed wings, which help them in their predatory behavior.
Habitat: This species inhabits the open ocean, particularly in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. During the breeding season, they nest on sub-Antarctic islands and coastal areas. They are known to frequent areas with abundant marine life, such as krill and fish, which are essential for their feeding.
Behavior: South Polar Skuas are known for their aggressive behavior during the breeding season, when they are highly protective of their nests and chicks. They are opportunistic feeders, preying on fish and scavenging from other seabirds. They engage in piracy, stealing food from other birds in flight. Their flight is strong and direct, allowing them to cover large distances in search of food.
Breeding: Breeding for the South Polar Skua occurs from late spring to summer (October to January in the Southern Hemisphere). They build nests on the ground, often in loose colonies, using grasses and other plant materials. The female lays 1-3 eggs, and both parents share incubation duties. After hatching, the chicks are precocial (able to walk shortly after hatching) and are tended to by both parents until they can fend for themselves.
Conservation Status: The South Polar Skua is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Distribution
The South Polar Skua inhabits Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. However, during migration, some individuals may be observed along the coasts of Colombia and are rare and happen in isolated coastal areas or during unusual migratory events.
Taxonomy
The South Polar Skua (Catharacta maccormicki)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Stercorariidae
- Genus: Catharacta
- Species: Catharacta maccormicki
Vocalization
Calls: South Polar Skuas produce a variety of calls, including harsh and guttural sounds that are used for communication between individuals, especially during territorial interactions, mating rituals, and in defense of their nests. These calls can vary in intensity and pitch depending on the context.
Alarm Calls: Skuas often emit alarm calls when potential threats or predators approach their nesting sites or territories. These alarm calls can alert other skuas in the vicinity and may serve to deter intruders or warn of impending danger.
Courtship Calls: During the breeding season, South Polar Skuas engage in courtship displays that involve vocalizations. These calls are part of their courtship rituals and can include soft, trilling sounds that play a role in pair bonding and mate selection.
Aggressive Calls: When defending their nests or food sources, South Polar Skuas may emit aggressive calls that are intended to intimidate rivals or deter competition. These calls can be loud and confrontational, signaling dominance and territorial boundaries.
Flight Calls: Skuas may also vocalize while in flight, using calls to communicate with other skuas or to coordinate group movements while foraging or hunting over the ocean.
