Stercorarius Antarcticus Collection

Brown skua (Stercorarius antarcticus), Ronge Island, Antarctica

Sub-Antarctic / Brown skua (Stercorarius antarcticus) flying away with egg stolen from a Royal penguin colony (Eudyptes schlegeli), Macquarie Island, Australian Territory. December

Subantarctic or Brown skua (Stercorarius antarcticus) stealing an egg from a Royal penguin colony (Eudyptes schlegeli) on Macquarie Island, Australian Territory

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Brown Skua showing territorial behaviour on rock. Date:

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Brown Skua in flight. Date:

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Brown Skua chick on nest. Date:

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Brown Skua chicks on nest with adult in the background. Date:

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Brown Skua squawking with the wings open backwards. Date:

An adult brown skua (Stercorarius spp), with a stolen gentoo penguin egg at Cuverville Island, Antarctica, Polar Regions

Subantarctic Skua (Stercorarius lonnbergi) adult, in flight low over sea, Cape of Good Hope, Western Cape, South Africa, June

Subantarctic Skua (Stercorarius lonnbergi) adult, in flight over sea, off Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, September

Antarctic Skua (Catharacta antarctica) x South Polar Skua (Catharacta maccormicki) hybrid, adult, in flight, at renowned island site for hybridisation, Deception Island, South Shetlands, Antarctica

Antarctic Skua (Catharacta antarctica) adult, in flight, New Island, Falkland Islands, november

Brown skua (Stercorarius antarcticus), Snow Hill Island, Weddell Sea, Antarctica, Polar Regions

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In the vast and icy wilderness of Antarctica, a cunning predator takes to the skies. Meet the Stercorarius antarcticus, commonly known as the Brown Skua. With its impressive wingspan and sharp beak, this adult skua is a formidable presence in the Sub-Antarctic region. In one captivating moment captured on Barrientos Island, we witness nature's drama unfold. The Brown Skua soars through the air with grace, clutching a stolen penguin egg in its talons. This daring act showcases their opportunistic nature as they exploit any chance for an easy meal. Notorious for their thieving ways, these skilled hunters are known to target unsuspecting penguins like the regal King Penguin or even brave Northern Rockhopper Penguins. Gathering together in defense against this aerial menace becomes crucial for survival. Venturing further south to Ronge Island in Antarctica, we find another snapshot of life amidst harsh conditions. A lone Brown Skua perches on tussock grass, surveying its surroundings with piercing eyes that miss no detail, and is here that they patiently await their next opportunity to snatch an unguarded egg or scavenged remains. South Georgia offers yet another glimpse into the world of these fascinating creatures. Picture after picture reveals them perched atop tussock grasses - masters of camouflage blending seamlessly into their environment. The Stercorarius antarcticus may be seen as thieves by some; however, they play a vital role in maintaining balance within this delicate ecosystem. Their actions contribute to nutrient cycling and population control among seabirds and marine mammals alike. As we marvel at their adaptability and resilience against extreme conditions, let us remember that every creature has its place in our intricate web of life - even those who steal from others' nests.