Chilean Skua (Stercorarius chilensis)

Identification & Behavior: ~55.5 cm (22 in). The Chilean Skua is brownish gray with a black cap, rusty throat, and rusty underwing coverts.  It shows white wing panels, which are visible in flight. It is similar to the South Polar Skua but is distinguished by its brownish coloration, rusty underwing coverts, rusty throat, and black cap.

Status: The Chilean Skua is an Austral migrant that winters in pelagic waters of Peru during the months of May through January. However, it can be found throughout the year in smaller numbers. It also occurs in Ec, Br, and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Salteador Chileno.

Sub-species: Chilean Skua (Stercorarius chilensis) Bonaparte, 1857.

Meaning of Name: Stercorarius: L. Stercus, stercoris manure= manure, a reference to how the bird seeks its food by attacking other birds until they regurgitate. chilensis: reference to Chile, country in South America.

See more of the Family Stercorariidae