The skuas / ˈskjuːə / are a group of predatory seabirds with seven species forming the genus Stercorarius, the only genus in the family Stercorariidae. The three smaller skuas, the Arctic skua, the long-tailed skua, and the pomarine skua, are called jaegers in North American English.

A big, broad-shouldered, predatory seabird of the North Atlantic. Usually solitary at sea, although concentrations may occur where food is abundant. 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.

The great skua, or bonxie, is a bird about 60 cm (24 inches) long, resembling a gull but heavily built, with a brownish body and large, white wing patches. It is the only bird that breeds both in the Arctic and in the Antarctic.

The great skua (Stercorarius skua), sometimes known by the name bonxie in Britain, is a large seabird in the skua family Stercorariidae. It is roughly the size of a herring gull. It mainly eats fish caught at the sea surface or taken from other birds.

South Polar skua facts Basics. Average Weight: 900 - 1600 g, males are usually a little smaller and lighter than females Average Length: 50 - 55 cm, wingspan 130 - 140 cm Breeding Season: Breeds in snow free areas from November to January. Incubation 24 …

Skuas are mid-sized gull-like birds with brown or gray plumage and white wing markings. Their longish bills are hooked at the tip with a fleshy cere above the upper mandible. They have webbed feet with sharp, albeit small, claws. Unlike gulls, skua females are larger than the males.

May 27, 2024 · Learn all there is to know about this intimidating group of birds, including where you can find them, how they eat, and how they defend their nests. Skuas are found on the sea coasts of all continents. They are long-distance migrants, …

Powerful dark brown seabird, resembles a dark, heavily built immature gull. Note eye-catching white flashes in the primaries when in flight. Adults have distinct pale mottling on the upperparts, which serves to separate them from adults of the very similar South Polar Skua.

Jun 23, 2024 · Skuas are a group of seabirds belonging to the family Stercorariidae. They are known for their aggressive behavior and kleptoparasitic feeding habits, often stealing food from other seabirds. When identifying skuas, several criteria can be considered: Size and Shape: Skuas are medium to large seabirds with a robust build.

The Great Skua is a pirate of the seas which will steal a free meal from birds as large as Gannets. It also preys on smaller birds such as Puffins. Great Skuas show little fear of humans – anybody getting close to the nest will be repeatedly dive-bombed by the angry adult.