Diet and long-term changes in population size and productivity of brown skuas Catharacta antarctica lonnbergi at Bird Island, South Georgia

Abstract

Breeding ecology of brown skuas (Catharacta antarctica lonnbergi) was studied at Bird Island, South Georgia in the austral summers of 2000/2001-2003/2004. A complete census recorded 467 breeding pairs in 3.55 km(2) of suitable habitat (132 pairs per km(2)), and an additional 312 nonbreeders at club-sites. Comparison with previous counts indicates two phases of population change: an initial rapid increase (3.6% per annum) from the late 1950s to early 1980s, probably attributable to increased carrion availability from the expanding Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) population, followed by slower growth (0.9% p.a.). Currently, seal carrion dominates the diet of skuas during incubation, with a switch to seabird prey during chick-rearing. Breeding is now later, chick growth poorer, and productivity significantly lower than in the early 1980s. There is also a strong seasonal decline in adult attendance, and chicks that hatch later and are in poorer condition are less likely to fledge. These results suggest a long-term increase in competition for carrion that is particularly apparent once fur seal pupping has ceased