Page 61 - World of Animals - Deadly Predators

Seabirds

A taste for feathers

Hunting down the sea’s bounty of fresh fish is
common practice for the majority of coastal birds.
BROWN SKUA
However, there are those that have developed a Catharacta antarctica
taste for some more sustainable food closer to Lifespan Average 15 years
Adult weight 1.5kg (3lb)
home. Arguably one of the most furious seabirds, Conservation status
skuas have taken a liking to the taste of their fellow
seabird’s young. Seeing the opportunity for an easy
meal in the form of defenceless chicks, skuas have LEAST CONCERN
no problem swooping down to an unprotected nest
and snagging a quick bite. Typically known for their
feeding methods of mobbing the catches of other
birds, skua use their strong beaks to attack those
protecting their chicks. Across the penguin breeding
regions of Antarctica, skuas will seek out penguins
insulating their newborns, pecking at their legs in
order to make them reveal their hiding chicks. Once
exposed, the skua will quickly snatch the chick and
if small enough, swallow it whole.

Brown skua snatch penguin
chicks straight from their
parents for food

© Getty

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