
©Margaret Holland
Great skua
Scientific name: Stercorarius skua
A fierce pirate of the sea, the great skua is renowned for stealing fish from other seabirds and dive-bombing anyone that comes near its nests. It breeds on the Scottish Isles.
Species information
Category
Statistics
Length: 53-66cmWingspan: 1.3m
Weight: 1.3-1.5kg
Average lifespan: 15 years
Conservation status
Classified in the UK as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the Red List for Birds (2015).