Great Skua

Catharacta skua

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

 It also readily kills and eats smaller birds such as puffins. Great skuas show little fear of humans – anybody getting close to the nest will be repeatedly dive-bombed by the angry adult. These birds migrate to the northernmost isles of the UK from their wintering grounds off the coasts of Spain and Africa. At a distance they look stout and dark and show white wing flashes in flight.

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discover more about great skua

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

They are seen from April through to October during their migration and breeding season.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

They nest on the moorlands on the islands of Scotland. They can be seen on the coast during their migrations.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

They are aggressive birds and are known as the pirates of the sea, stealing food from other birds.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Arctic Skua

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

They are seen from April through to October during their migration and breeding season.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

They nest on the moorlands on the islands of Scotland. They can be seen on the coast during their migrations.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

They are aggressive birds and are known as the pirates of the sea, stealing food from other birds.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Arctic Skua

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

They are seen from April through to October during their migration and breeding season.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

They nest on the moorlands on the islands of Scotland. They can be seen on the coast during their migrations.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

They are aggressive birds and are known as the pirates of the sea, stealing food from other birds.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Arctic Skua