Brown Skuas are a bit problematic because the ID is very subtle compared to South Polar and Chilean Skuas which can also be in the same areas. Not to mention hybridization which also occurs. However, there are a few places where you can see them next to their cousins and you can compare them for ID purposes. We saw ours at Tay Head in Antarctica where they breed. There was also a few South Polar Skuas which allowed for comparison. The Brown Skua is the biggest and bulkiest of the species including a more robust bill and generally deeper brown color.
This looks like two Brown Skuas sandwiching a South Polar, but its also possible that this is a small family with the Brown Skua in back, the South Polar in the middle and perhaps a hybrid offspring in front? Hard to be sure, but I am fairly confident the one in back is a Brown.
I would not be surprised if they lumped this group into one species in the future including the Great Skua.
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