How to identify

The Arctic Skua is a medium-sized, dark 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. Arctic Skuas only come to land to breed, and can be aggressive towards intruders who stray into their breeding territory!

Call

Arctic Skua

Lauri Hallikainen / xeno-canto

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Key facts