© Patrick MONNEY
© Brian Sullivan
© Brian Sullivan
© Silvia Faustino Linhares
+ 4
© Fabio Olmos
© Patrick MONNEY
© Dominic Garcia-Hall

Chilean Skua Stercorarius chilensis

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Identification

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Rather large, dark, stocky gull-like seabird with big white wing patches (seen in flight). In summer often seen flying over Patagonian steppe or associating with Kelp Gulls at beaches, dumps, river mouths, and lakes near the coast. Also found well offshore, where it chases other birds to steal their food. Usually seen as singles or small groups. Plumage variable, but always with some orange tones—sometimes bright and extensive, sometimes limited to underwing and base of tail. The only skua likely to be seen in Chile and southern Argentina.

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