Brown Skua

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Brown Skua
Conservation status
Least Concern
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae Genus: Catharacta Species: C. antarctica
Binomial name
Catharacta antarctica Brooke, 1978

The Brown Skua (Catharacta antarctica) is often referred to as Antarctic Skua (or vice versa); the taxonomy of Skuas is still a matter of dispute. Other names (probably owing to the high level of hybridization in this species) include Southern Great Skua, Southern Skua or Subantarctic Skua. The New Zealand Māori call it Hākoakoa. It breeds circumpolar in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic zones.

[edit] References

• BirdLife International (2004). Catharacta antarctica. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
• Harrison, Peter (1996). Seabirds - an identification guide. Christopher Helm: A & C Black, London. ISBN 0-7136-3510-X. 
• Heather, Barrie D; Robertson, Hugh A & Onley, Derek (2000). The field guide to the birds of New Zealand. Viking: Printing Press. ISBN 0-670-89370-6.