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 Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus L 46. Breeds in scattered pairs or loose colonies on barren rocky islands on Atlantic, arctic and Baltic coasts, incl N and W Scotland, on coastal and upland moors. Arrives in Apr, Arctic breeders pass in May, return mainly Aug-Sep. Two colour phases, dark commonest in south, pale in north. Intermediates occur. Both light phase and intermediates may have dark breast band. Central tail feathers elongated, pointed. Generally gull-like but always appears strikingly dark (even the light phase), and superior flying ability obvious. Forces gulls and terns to disgorge fish, then displaying magnificent speed and aerobatics. Even normal flight strikingly fast considering relaxed wing action. Lands on water with peculiar caution, after long glide. Commonest call a nasal mewing like a cat on the tiles, 'EH-glaw, EH-glaw, . . . '. Immature brown (variable), has mere hint of elongated tail feathers, in field scarcely distinguishable from immature Pomarine (which seek width of arm equals length of tail, or less. On perched bird at close range, however, bill delicate like Common Gull's, not like the large gulls'; bill usually rather uniform in colour. SP
 An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising birds
is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe,
which is a comprehensive reference guide to Britain
and mainland Europe's plethora of ornithological life.
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