Using night vision gear, ecologists observed the skuas preying on the petrels at night, a remarkable strategy for a seabird. Some authorities still regard the Great Skua as conspecific (of, or belonging to, the same species) with some of these southern skuas, and as a group they have sometimes been separated in the genus Catharacta, although currently this is not commonly followed. Genetic studies have found surprising similarities between the great skua and the pomarine skua, despite their dissimilar appearance. The reserve has seen more than thirty species of wading birds.

terms. Catch up with the RSPB’s own nature detectives on the case as they look to save some very special places. UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually.

Adults are streaked greyish brown, with a black cap, juveniles are a warmer brown and unstreaked below.

One study found that 112 males weighed an average of 1.27 kg (2.8 lb) and that 125 females weighed an average of 1.41 kg (3.1 lb). Otherwise lives at sea, but may be seen from shore during windy conditions during migration periods. The great skua (Stercorarius skua) is a large seabird in the skua family Stercorariidae. So what is it? Photo: Dick Dickinson/Audubon Photography Awards, Adult. professional advice. SC037654, We use cookies on our website to help give you the best online experience. Population increasing in northern British Isles, possibly declining in Faeroes, stable in Iceland. Skuas can be divided into two main types, the ‘great skua’ kind which are large, broad-winged and mottled brown and the rest, which are more slender, long-winged and have distinctive tail projections.

Visit your local Audubon center, join a chapter, or help save birds with your state program. Also eats carrion, insects, and small mammals up to size of rabbits. Although it cannot inflict serious damage, such an experience with a bird of this size is frightening. In the winter months, they can be found from northern Quebec and southward right to the mid-coastal US states. With wide range at sea, occurs over cold and warm waters, from subarctic to equatorial regions. The arctic skua arrives at its breeding grounds in April and leaves in July. Like other skuas, they will fly at the head of a human or other intruder approaching its nest. LC Least Concern. They have a short, blunt tail, and a powerful flight.

At a distance they look stout and dark and show white wing flashes in flight. Breeds mainly in Iceland and on islands north of Great Britain; in North America, very seldom seen from shore, although it may be common far offshore during the winter. Our email newsletter shares the latest programs and initiatives.

[13], Great skua at North Sea island Hallig Hooge / Germany, "Bonxie" redirects here. The Smallest Bird on Earth Weighs Less than a Penny! Mainly fish, birds, carrion. The great skua is a large dark brown bird. Resembles a dark, heavily built immature gull; feeds by pirating gulls and other seabirds, also by scavenging at fishing boats. Please Note: The articles or images on this page are the sole property of the authors or photographers.

The Herring Gull size, massive barrel chest and white wing flashes of this bird are distinctive even at a distance. It mainly eats fish which is taken from the surface of the sea or from other birds. The great skua is an aggressive pirate of the seas, deliberately harassing birds as large as gannets to steal a free meal. Distinguishing this skua from the other North Atlantic skuas (Arctic Skua, Pomarine Skua and Long-tailed Skua) is relatively straightforward.

[10] The species is monotypic: no subspecies are recognised.[5]. This is a large skua 50–58cm in length with a 125–140cm wingspan. Pair formation occurs in neutral social areas within or near colony, with much posturing and calling. Illustration © David Allen Sibley.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); © 2011 beautyofbirds.com - All Rights Reserved. [10] The species is monotypic: no subspecies are recognised.[5]. Great Skua. They will also directly attack and kill other seabirds, up to the size of Herring Gulls. See some of the ways you can get into green living. The parrots that build "bird condominiums" : The, The record holder for speaking most words: the common. Resembles a dark, heavily built immature gull; feeds by pirating gulls and other seabirds, also by scavenging at fishing boats. Thank you. Please contact them directly with respect to any copyright or licensing questions. Resembles a dark, heavily built immature gull; feeds by pirating gulls and other seabirds, also by scavenging at fishing boats. Although it cannot inflict serious damage, such an experience with a bird of this size is frightening. The Great Skua is the largest predator on the open seas. Help power unparalleled conservation work for birds across the Americas, Stay informed on important news about birds and their habitats, Receive reduced or free admission across our network of centers and sanctuaries, Access a free guide of more than 800 species of North American birds, Discover the impacts of climate change on birds and their habitats, Learn more about the birds you love through audio clips, stunning photography, and in-depth text. They eat mainly fish, birds, eggs, carrion, offal, rodents, rabbits, and occasionally berries. It is roughly the size of a herring gull. The great skua breeds in Iceland, Norway, the Faroe Islands, and on Scottish islands, with some individuals breeding on mainland Scotland and in the northwest of Ireland.
Usually first breeds at age of 7-8 years. In North American waters, most common off eastern Canada and New England from October through February.

Great Skua Stercorarius skua. The Great Skua, Stercorarius skua, is a large seabird in the skua family Stercorariidae. Identification of this skua is only complicated when it is necessary to distinguish it from the closely related large southern-hemisphere skuas. Genetic studies have found surprising similarities between the great skua and the pomarine skua, despite their dissimilar appearance. It is roughly the size of a herring gull.

It is only provided for educational and entertainment purposes, and is in no way intended as a substitute for Please contact them directly with respect to any copyright or licensing questions. Or take action immediately with one of our current campaigns below: The Audubon Bird Guide is a free and complete field guide to more than 800 species of North American birds, right in your pocket. Genetic studies have found surprising similarities between the Great Skua and the Pomarine Skua, despite their dissimilar appearance.

They will also directly attack and kill other seabirds, up to the size of Herring Gulls. Resplendent Quetzals - The Rare Jewel Birds of the World.

The great skua (Stercorarius skua) is a large seabird in the skua family Stercorariidae.

Identification of this skua is only complicated when it is necessary to distinguish it from the closely related large southern-hemisphere skuas. Legal Notices Privacy Policy Contact Us. This is a bird that shows no fear, and that is fiercely protective of its nest on its breeding grounds. [6][7] In Britain, it is sometimes known by the name bonxie, a Shetland name of Norse origin. Otherwise lives at sea, but may be seen from shore during windy conditions during migration periods. It mainly eats fish which is taken from the surface of the sea or from other birds. They will often obtain fish by robbing gulls, terns and even northern gannets of their catches.
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UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March.

Great skuas measure 50–58 cm (20–23 in) long and have a 125–140 cm (49–55 in) wingspan.