Analysis of breeding success, adult survival and mate choice of south polar skuas (Catharacta maccormicki) at Cape Bird, Ross Island

The breeding success, survival and mate choice in south polar skuas was studied at Cape Bird to determine which individual traits influence breeding success, if breeding success is related to mate fidelity or territory and to determine if there is a pattern of mate choice in south polar skuas. Nests were checked daily to obtain dates of arrival, pair formation, egg laying, hatching and egg or chick loss. Various territory parameters were also measured. All unbanded breeding skuas were banded, weighed and measured along with non breeding skuas as time permitted.