General
Great Skua: Herring Gull sized heavy looking seabird with rather stout, hooked bill. Grey-brown above and below with light brown highlights. Black-brown cap and dark grey flight feathers with white patch at base of primaries. Some birds lack dark cap and are paler. Sexes similar. Juveniles have dark grey head, are more plain and uniform red-brown than adults, and have rusty edging to wing feathers.
Range and Habitat
Great Skua: Summer breeder and migrant visitor. Breeding birds are found in northern coastal Scotland, the Western and Northern Isles. On passage may be seen along most UK & Irish coasts as the birds make their way to winter grounds along the Spanish and African coasts. Inhabits rocky islands and moorland.
Breeding and Nesting
Great Skua: Breeds in tundra and moorland, usually near the sea. Nests in small groups or large colonies. Most chicks return to birthplace to establish a breeding territory. Both parents build the nest, which is a shallow, grass-lined scrape on the ground. Both parents care for young.
Foraging and Feeding
Great Skua: Eats mostly fish, also kills and eats smaller birds. Aggressively harasses other birds to pirate their food. Eats some carrion.
Vocalisation
Great Skua: Loud "gek gek."
Similar Species
Great Skua: The Pomarine Skua is smaller, has a yellow nape and white neck and underparts. Juvenile Pomarine Skuas and Great Black-backed Gulls lack the bold white flashes in the wings.