Great Skua
Stercorarius skua
The Great Skua, also known as the Bonxie, is a large seabird that can be spotted in Britain, particularly in coastal areas and islands, often during the summer months when it breeds. It is a rare but regular visitor to British shores, with the majority of sightings occurring in the north and west.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Great Skua in the field.
The Great Skua can be identified by its broad, rounded wings, distinctive white wing patches, and a dark brown back with a pale brown belly. Its size and aggressive behaviour also make it stand out, particularly when interacting with other seabirds.
The Great Skua is roughly the size of a Herring Gull, making it a substantial and imposing bird.
The male Great Skua has a dark brown back and wings, with a pale brown belly and white wing patches, although the exact shade of brown can vary depending on the individual and the time of year.
The female Great Skua is similar to the male in terms of plumage, with no significant differences in colour or pattern.
The Great Skua has a loud, shrill call that sounds like a sharp, repeated "ka" or "kyak", often used for communication and territorial defence.
The Great Skua is a formidable and opportunistic feeder, catching fish at the sea surface and also stealing food from other birds, such as gulls and puffins, in a behaviour known as "kleptoparasitism". It is also known for its aggressive and powerful flight.
The Great Skua can be confused with other large gulls, such as the Lesser Black-backed Gull, but can be distinguished by its broader wings, white wing patches, and more aggressive behaviour, particularly when interacting with other birds.
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