Great Skua
NameGreat Skua
Common NameGreat Skua
Scientific NameStercorarius skua
FamilyStercorariidae
Wingspan (cm)132.5
Length (cm)54
Weight (g)1400
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark brown plumage, often streaked with rufous or grey-brown, giving a mottled appearance. A distinctive pale flash is visible at the base of the primary feathers, particularly noticeable in flight.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include harsh, guttural calls, often described as a 'skua-skua' sound, and a rapid 'kek-kek-kek' when agitated or defending territory.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal areas, open ocean, breeding colonies on islands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds primarily in the North Atlantic, including Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Norway, and Scotland. Winters at sea, ranging south along the coasts of Europe and Africa, and occasionally reaching North American waters.
Identifying Featureslarge size, dark brown, mottled plumage, pale wing flashes (visible in flight), robust, powerful build, hooked bill
Description
The Great Skua is a large, powerful seabird known for its robust build and predatory nature. It often engages in kleptoparasitism, harassing other seabirds to steal their catch, and also preys on smaller birds and scavenges carrion.
