The Great Skua
Great Skua Stercorarius skua L 59. Breeds on islands in N Atlantic, incl. N Scotland, often in colonies on upland moors near rocky coasts. Defends nest with impressive head-on attack. Steals fish from seabirds (often Gannett but eats carrion and offal to greater extent than do other skuas, follows fishing craft. Rather recalls dark large gull (beware confusion with oiled gulp, but has much heavier body and broader wing bases, and weightiness and stability in direct flight are quite outstanding, in contrast to great agility in pursuit flight. Large snow-white wing flashes ( above as well as below) prominent even at longest ranges 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.
