South Polar Skua

Stercorarius maccormicki is an Antarctic-breeding skua that migrates through New Zealand waters. It differs from southern skua through a slimmer build and often colder grey-brown plumage with less golden streaking. Plumage varies from pale grey-brown to dark brown, with a contrasting pale head in lighter birds. White wing flashes are conspicuous in flight.

It breeds around Antarctica and disperses widely over the oceans outside breeding. New Zealand records occur mostly offshore and around subantarctic waters. It eats fish, carrion, eggs and seabird chicks and steals prey from other birds. Away from colonies it forages singly over open ocean.

The New Zealand classification is Migrant. Subantarctic expedition voyages and offshore pelagic trips provide the best chance during passage.