Non-Breeding Birds Distribution Map

South Polar Skua (Catharacta skua)

The Washington Gap Analysis Project created breeding bird maps only. The non-breeding birds (e.g., wintering, pelagic (coastal), and birds expanding their ranges) are represented only by NatureMapping sightings.

The Washington Gap Analysis Project could not find any historical research records (i.e., Breeding Bird Atlas, Breeding Bird Survey, Bird Banding and Recovery) for 73 species of birds. The South Polar Skua is one of the species.

NatureMapping observations reported by townships throughout the year.

Species Distribution Information

The South Polar Skua winters in the north Atlantic and north Pacific from May to early November. It is most numerous in the fall off the West Coast and in spring off the East Coast, and it stays well off-shore. It breeds in the Antarctic. This species is a rate visitor to Washington in late summer and fall. Usually it is seen as a quick flyby or with concentrations of shearwaters or gulls around fishing trawlers well off Westport.