While Costa Rica is renowned for its vibrant rainforests and dazzling toucans, here at the mountain retreat, we like to surprise our guests with the unexpected. Today, we turn our binoculars south to a visitor from afar: the South Polar Skua.
Yes, you read that right! This seabird, typically found in the frigid waters around Antarctica, occasionally graces our Costa Rican coasts during its migrations. Spotting one is a rare treat, a chance encounter that adds a touch of the exotic to your mountain retreat experience.
A Master of the Open Ocean
The South Polar Skua is a formidable bird, boasting a wingspan of up to 1.5 meters (almost 5 feet!). Adults are a study in contrasts – their upper body is a cool greyish-brown, while their underparts come in two morphs: a pale white and a straw-brown. This pale head and underparts are a key feature for identification, especially when compared to similar skua species.
These aerial acrobats are perfectly adapted for life on the open ocean. Their powerful wings allow them to soar effortlessly for long distances, covering vast stretches of sea in search of food. Their hooked beak, sharp talons, and aggressive nature make them opportunistic feeders. They readily scavenge for carrion, steal food from other birds, or hunt fish and krill near the surface.
A Glimpse of the Antarctic
So, how does a bird of the Antarctic end up in Costa Rica? The South Polar Skua is a long-distance migrant. During the southern hemisphere’s winter (roughly May to September), they embark on a remarkable journey north, seeking warmer waters and abundant food sources. Some individuals travel as far north as the coasts of California and Oregon, with Costa Rica falling along this migratory route.
Spotting a Southerner
While uncommon, sightings of the South Polar Skua do occur on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica, particularly along the beaches and offshore waters. Here at the mountain retreat, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one soaring high above on a clear day, especially during the migratory season (May to September).
If you’re fortunate enough to spot a large, dark-winged bird with a contrasting pale head and underparts gliding effortlessly in the distance, there’s a chance it could be a South Polar Skua. Keep your binoculars handy and enjoy this rare encounter with a visitor from the far south!
Beyond the Skua
The mountains surrounding our retreat may not be the natural habitat for the South Polar Skua, but they’re teeming with their own avian wonders. Keep an eye out for our upcoming blog posts where we’ll explore the resident and migratory birds that grace our mountain paradise!
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
