Head to head
Snow Petrel vs South Polar Skua
Both birds venture unusually far into the Antarctic interior, but one is a gentle forager while the other is an aggressive predator and pirate.
| Snow Petrel | South Polar Skua | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Pagodroma nivea | Stercorarius maccormicki |
| Diet | Fish, squid, krill, and carrion | Omnivore, steals food and preys on penguin eggs and chicks |
| Distinguishing feature | Entirely white plumage | Aggressive aerial piracy against other seabirds |
| Breeding range | Breeds deep in the Antarctic interior | Breeds along the Antarctic coast |
| Migration | Not documented as migrating far | Migrates as far as the Northern Hemisphere |
| Defence mechanism | Sprays foul-smelling stomach oil | Not documented as using a similar defence |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Habitat | Ocean, polar | Ocean, polar |
Snow Petrel vs South Polar Skua: common questions
Which one breeds deepest into the Antarctic interior?
The snow petrel breeds deepest inland, nesting on bare rock outcrops hundreds of kilometres from the coast, though the south polar skua has itself been recorded closer to the South Pole than any other bird species.
Which one steals food from other seabirds in flight?
The south polar skua is the food thief, aggressively harassing other seabirds until they drop their catch, a behaviour not documented in the snow petrel, which forages more directly for its own food.
Which one has a chemical defence against predators?
The snow petrel can spray a foul-smelling stomach oil at intruders approaching its nest, a defence not specifically documented in the south polar skua, which instead relies on its own aggression and speed.