Key information
The arctic skua is a medium-sized dark-looking seabird with pointed wings which are pale at the tips. Often seen flying low and fast above the waves in pursuit of a tern or other bird, sometimes chasing it high into the air, twisting and turning, to make it drop its food. It only comes to land to breed and is aggressive towards intruders who stray into its breeding territory.
What they eat:
Mainly fish but also dead birds and mammals, eggs and young birds.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 41-46cm
- Wingspan:
- 110-125cm
- Weight:
- 330-570g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 2,136 pairs
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Arctic skua (pale)
Arctic skua (dark)
