The Chilean skua, also known as the cinnamon skua, is a large predatory seabird, which breeds in Argentina and Chile, but ranges as far north as Brazil and Peru when not breeding. A relatively distinctive skua, it has a dark cap that contrasts with its cinnamon throat and lower face. Hybrids with the Falkland skua are known from southern Argentina.
Region
Southeast Pacific and Southwest Atlantic off southern South America
Typical Environment
Breeds on rocky coasts, islets, and fjord edges in southern Chile and Patagonia, including Tierra del Fuego. Outside the breeding season it ranges widely at sea, reaching north to Peru on the Pacific side and Brazil on the Atlantic side. It frequents productive upwelling zones, shelf waters, and channels where prey and fishing activity are concentrated. Around colonies it also forages over beaches and penguin or cormorant rookeries.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Chilean skua, or cinnamon skua, is a powerful seabird noted for kleptoparasitism—harassing other seabirds to steal their catch. It breeds along the fjords and islands of southern Chile and Argentina and disperses northward along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts after breeding. Adults become fiercely territorial near nests and may dive-bomb intruders, including humans. Hybridization with the Falkland skua is known in southern Argentina.
Temperament
assertive and highly territorial near nests
Flight Pattern
strong flier with powerful wingbeats and agile, low fast passes over water
Social Behavior
Breeds singly or in loose colonies on coastal islands and headlands. Both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing, nesting on ground scrapes with sparse vegetation. Near colonies it aggressively defends territory and often engages in kleptoparasitism of gulls, terns, and cormorants.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are harsh, rasping calls and barks, often given in aggressive encounters. Near nests it emits loud, scolding screams during dive-bombing displays.
