Birds
Chilean Skua
Stercorarius chilensis · also called Chilean sea hawk
Marked by warm cinnamon-toned underparts unlike any other skua species, a Chilean skua breeds along the coasts of southern Chile and Argentina before migrating north each year along the Pacific coast of South America.
Overview
The Chilean skua, Stercorarius chilensis, is a Least Concern seabird native to ocean and coastal habitat along the southern Pacific coast of South America, extending into parts of the South Atlantic. Its distinctive cinnamon plumage, mainland coastal breeding range, and aggressive nest defence make it one of the more visually and geographically distinctive skua species found anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere.
A skua that prefers the mainland coast
While many skua species breed on remote, predator-free oceanic islands, the Chilean skua instead nests directly along the coasts of southern Chile and Argentina, a mainland-oriented breeding strategy that sets it apart from most of its close relatives.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across its southern South American breeding and migratory range.
Chilean Skua: common questions
How can you identify a Chilean skua?
This species has warm, cinnamon-toned underparts unlike the darker or greyer tones typical of most other skua species, making it relatively distinctive among its relatives in the field.
Where does the Chilean skua breed?
This species breeds along the coasts of southern Chile and Argentina, including parts of Tierra del Fuego, rather than on the remote oceanic islands favoured by many other skua species.
Does the Chilean skua migrate?
Yes, this species migrates northward along the Pacific coast of South America outside the breeding season, travelling well beyond its breeding range in search of food.
How does the Chilean skua obtain food from other birds?
This species often obtains food by aggressively chasing other seabirds in flight until they drop or regurgitate their catch, a feeding strategy called kleptoparasitism shared with several related skua species.