Arctic Skua
Stercorarius parasiticus
The Arctic Skua is a rare but regular migrant to Britain, typically seen during the summer months along coastal areas, particularly in the north and west. It can be spotted in Britain from May to October, with the majority of sightings occurring during June and July.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Arctic Skua in the field.
The Arctic Skua can be identified by its brownish-grey back, white underside, and distinctive white wing flashes, as well as its long, pointed central tail feathers. Its broad, rounded wings and stout build also help to distinguish it from other similar species.
The Arctic Skua is slightly larger than a Black-headed Gull, with a length of around 40-50 cm.
The male Arctic Skua has a dark brownish-grey back and wings, with a white underside and a blackish-brown cap on its head, with two central tail feathers that are significantly longer than the others.
Similar to the male, the female Arctic Skua also has a dark brownish-grey back and wings, with a white underside, although the cap on its head may be slightly paler.
The Arctic Skua's call is a loud, shrill "kreee" or "kraa" sound, often repeated in a series of sharp, piercing cries.
The Arctic Skua is a kleptoparasite, often stealing food from other seabirds in mid-air, and can be seen flying low over the water, scanning for potential prey or victims to rob. It has a swift, agile flight and is known for its aggressive behaviour towards other birds.
The Arctic Skua can be confused with the Pomarine Skua and the Great Skua, but can be distinguished from these species by its smaller size, more slender build, and the presence of a shorter, more rounded tail, as well as its distinctive white wing flashes.
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