The great skua, sometimes known by the name bonxie in Britain, is a large seabird in the skua family Stercorariidae. It is roughly the size of a herring gull. It mainly eats fish caught at the sea surface or taken from other birds.
Region
North Atlantic
Typical Environment
Breeds on remote islands and coastal moorlands around the North Atlantic, notably in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, northern Scotland (especially Shetland), and parts of Norway. Outside the breeding season it roams widely over the North Atlantic, often along continental shelf waters and productive upwelling zones. It frequents open ocean, coastal headlands, and waters near seabird colonies and fishing fleets. Nests are on the ground in open, windswept terrain with short vegetation and good visibility.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the bonxie in Shetland, the great skua is a powerful seabird famed for kleptoparasitism—stealing fish from other birds such as gannets and gulls. It aggressively defends its nest and may dive at intruders, including humans. At sea, it is often identified by its bulky build and bold white wing patches. Despite its piratical habits, it also hunts and scavenges opportunistically.
Displaying white wing flashes
Great skua, as another pair flew too close to their nest site (Shetland)
Egg, Collection Museum Wiesbaden
Great skua robbing a northern gannet near Stac an Armin (St Kilda, Scotland)
Temperament
bold and aggressive
Flight Pattern
powerful, direct flight with strong wingbeats; capable soaring in winds
Social Behavior
Breeds in loose colonies or scattered pairs on open ground, typically laying 1–2 eggs. Both parents incubate and fiercely defend the territory, often dive-bombing intruders. Away from nests it often harasses other seabirds to force them to drop or regurgitate food. Pairs are generally monogamous and may reuse territories across years.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are harsh, grating calls and croaks, often given during territorial displays or aggressive interactions. Alarm calls are loud, rasping notes that carry over windy moorlands. At sea it is usually quieter, with brief barks or growls during chases.
