Great Skua

"Stercorarius skua"

This is the largest bird in the Skua family.

Described as an “aggressive pirate” of the seas it will kill smaller birds for their prey even harassing birds as large as a gannet. They are fearless birds and will attack

anyone getting near their nest including humans.

They eat carrion, fish, and other birds.

They are 52 to 59cm in length

They have a wingspan of 125 to 140cm.

They weigh in at around 1.2 to 2kg.

There are estimated to be only 9,630 pairs breeding in the uk.

It is also known as a “Bonxie”

Great Skua