Abstract:

The growth of chicks of South Polar skua Catharacta maccormicki near the Zhongshan Station was observed in 1989/1990 austral summer. The breeding period was going through from mid-December to mid-February next year.The survival rate of chicks was very lower and it was 38.9% in this study season.For about 53.2 days (range 52-55 days) breeding ,the chicks grew up and were able to fly,the average daily growth rate was 27.42g/d and 16.56g/d with first and second chicks respectively.The logistic curve was fitted to the weight data for typical growth.The equation is: W=1255.41+22.6034e -0.1518t The important factors influencing chick's growth and mortality were discussed in this paper.They are food,unfavourable weather and predation by adult skuas.