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
Statistics
Length: 53-58cmWingspan: 125-140cm
Weight: 1.2-2kg
Average lifespan: 15 years
Conservation status
Classified in the UK as Red following a 2024 update to the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021).