
Subantarctic Skua
The brown skua (Stercorarius antarcticus), also known as the Antarctic skua, subantarctic skua, southern great skua, southern skua, or hākoakoa (Māori), is a large seabird that breeds in the subantarctic and Antarctic zones and moves further north when not breeding.
Species insights
Most records May to Aug
When Subantarctic Skua sightings peak, from open records. Outside these months it is seen less often, not never.
Curve from 134 national iNaturalist observations, not from one property and not from this province. Single-month spikes are discarded as upload artefacts, and below 50 records we show no curve at all.
Western Cape and beyond
Provinces where Subantarctic Skua is most recorded. Tap one to find places to stay.
134 records, iNaturalist
Parks where hosts record the Subantarctic Skua
Stays that give back
Across the Eastern Cape
Subantarctic Skua recorded here
Subantarctic Skua recorded here
Subantarctic Skua recorded here
Subantarctic Skua recorded here
Subantarctic Skua recorded here
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Forests, lagoons, and Knysna's sheltered bay
See places that give backPlanning a trip
When and where to find the Subantarctic Skua
Hosts have recorded the Subantarctic Skua at stays in or beside Addo Elephant National Park.
Best hours of the day
- The first hours after sunrise, and late afternoon. Birds call and feed most in the cool.
- Midday. Quieter, especially in summer heat.
Ways to look
Drive yourself
Your own vehicle and pace, on the park's roads.
Where hosts record it
Species
Stercorarius antarcticus
Records
134
iNaturalist observations
Every booking on Spekboom supports conservation.
Questions travellers ask
A record means a host has seen the Subantarctic Skua on the property or nearby. It is never a guarantee of a sighting.
Which parks and reserves are best for the Subantarctic Skua in Eastern Cape?
Hosts on Spekboom have recorded the Subantarctic Skua at stays in or beside Addo Elephant National Park. A record means a host has seen it on the property or nearby, which makes these the places to base yourself; it is never a guarantee of a sighting on any given day.
Where can you see the Subantarctic Skua in South Africa?
The Subantarctic Skua is most recorded in Western Cape (84% of records), Eastern Cape (11% of records), based on 134 iNaturalist observations. 5 places to stay on Spekboom in Eastern Cape have recorded the Subantarctic Skua on site or nearby.
When is the best time to see the Subantarctic Skua?
Sightings of the Subantarctic Skua peak from May to Aug, based on 134 iNaturalist records. You may still see it outside those months, sightings are just less frequent.
What is the Subantarctic Skua?
The brown skua (Stercorarius antarcticus), also known as the Antarctic skua, subantarctic skua, southern great skua, southern skua, or hākoakoa (Māori), is a large seabird that breeds in the subantarctic and Antarctic zones and moves further north when not breeding. Its taxonomy is highly complex and a matter of dispute, with some splitting it into two or three species: Falkland skua (S.

























