©Bob Coyle
Arctic Skua
Scientific name: Stercorarius parasiticus
A fierce pirate of the sea, the Arctic Skua is renowned for stealing fish from other seabirds and dive-bombing anyone that comes near its nests. It breeds in the far north of Scotland and on the Scottish Isles.
Species information
Category
Statistics
Length: 44cmWingspan: 1.2m
Weight: 450g
Average lifespan: 12 years
Conservation status
Classified in the UK as Red under the Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the Red List for Birds (2015). Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.