Description
Book SynopsisThis is the first complete identification guide to the skuas of the world. Skuas (and jaegers) are a fascinating and popular group of seabirds that make up a subfamily of just seven species. They can be divided into two main groups: the larger species of Catharacta skuas which are mainly found in the southern hemisphere (with Great Skua breeding in the north), and the three Stercorarius species (also known as jaegers) which breed in the northern hemisphere. Both northern and southern skuas breed at high latitudes and several species are long-distance migrants, performing spectacular migrations through most of the world's oceans, sometimes even flying overland. The individual plumage variation in some species is enormous, creating one of the most puzzling yet fascinating challenges in modern field identification. This guide is designed to enable species identification and correct ageing, and the information presented is based on years of study in the field, detailed examinat
Table of ContentsIntroduction Acknowledgements Taxonomy, Relationships and Characteristics The Skua Species: A Brief Overview Breeding Behaviours Age Development of Skuas Skuas and Man Observing Skuas in the Field Explanation of the Species Accounts Colour Plates Systematic Selection Colour Photographs
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