Convervation status: Green Latin nameStercorarius pomarinus FamilySkuas (Stercorariidae) OverviewThe pomarine skua is a large seabird, nearly as big as a herring gull. It has long spoon-shaped tail streamers. There are two colour forms: dark - birds are all dark brown with small white flashes on the wings; light - birds have a pale breast and a dark cap on their heads. It does not breed in the UK, but is a passage migrant in both spring and autumn. It winters off the coast of West Africa. Where to see themIn spring, best looked for from seawatching place on the English south coast, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. In autumn, best looked for from seawatching places on North Sea coasts. When to see themBetween late April and May, and between August and November. What they eatLemmings on the breeding grounds; otherwise, fish and other birds. Estimated numbers| Europe | UK breeding* | UK wintering* | UK passage* |
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* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
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