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.

On average, a skua is about 56 cm (22 in) long, and 121 cm (48 in) across the wings. They have longish bills with a hooked tip, and webbed feet with sharp claws. They look like large dark gulls, but have a fleshy cere above the upper mandible. The skuas are strong, acrobatic fliers. They are generally aggressive in disposition.

Very much like South Polar Skua, but head and body typically all dark with heavy pale stripes. A harsh hah-hah-hah-hah; various quacking and croaking notes. Open ocean. Except during breeding season, usually far offshore, out of sight of land. With wide range at sea, occurs over cold and warm waters, from subarctic to equatorial regions.

The great skua is an aggressive pirate of the seas, deliberately harassing birds as large as gannets to steal a free meal. Find out more

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.

Possessing an imposing stature, this avian giant effortlessly captures the gaze of any fortunate observer, unveiling a mesmerizing spectacle of nature’s grandeur. This article will discuss interesting facts about the Great Skua bird, including profile, history, lifespan, habitat, breeding, plumage, range, diet, and more. Keep reading.

Giant petrels and skuas are both large seabirds found in the Southern Ocean, but they have some distinct differences. Giant petrels are known for their scavenging behavior and are often seen feeding on carrion and stealing food from other seabirds. They have a wingspan of up to 7 feet and are powerful fliers.

The Great Skua is the largest predator on the open ocean. This large brown stocky bird is mostly seen in the northern ocean water surrounding North America.

The Great Skua, as the largest skua, is feared by sea and water birds. When it appears, even large gulls react in panic. They are chased by the Great Skua until they either disgorge or drop a food morsel which the Great Skua catches in mid-air.

Great Skuas, with their scientific name Stercorarius skua, are formidable seabirds, roughly the size of a herring gull. They have a robust build and sport a predominantly dark plumage with striking white wing flashes visible in flight.