Subantarctic skua

Introduction: Subantarctic skuas (Catharacta antarctica) are large seabirds with broad wings from the Antarctic. They are known to be aggressive to other birds and often scavenge around fishing vessels. Roosting is performed on the sea by sitting on the water with ships' masts and drilling platforms a favoured alternative. Avian cholera is a threat with this species who are also susceptible to predatory action by cuttlefish.

Distribution: Throughout Namibian waters, most common on the continental shelf waters, often observed close to shore, but never on land.

Diet: Scavenges offal from boats and also eats hake, anchovies, squid, crustaceans, seabirds and carrion.

Description: Overall dark brown often confused with the slightly smaller and more slender South Polar skua. The Greek word Catharacta means 'rapacious seabird' mentioned by Aristotle and Dionysius.

Breeding: Breeds in the Antarctic Peninsula. Females lay 1 or 2 eggs in the summer.

Size: 65cm.

Weight: 1.5kg.

Wingspan: 1.4m.