Great Skua
Stercorarius skua
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Great Skua — 'Bonxie' in Shetland — is the heavyweight bully of the seabird world. It will kill and eat Gannets, Puffins and other large seabirds and steal food from anything. A large, brown, gull-like bird with a heavy build and bold white wing flashes. The UK holds most of the world population, concentrated in Shetland. Autumn passage on the Irish Sea brings them past Formby Point, and northwesterly gales can push them close to shore.
At a Glance
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Stercorariidae |
| Habitat | Open sea · Offshore |
| Diet | Fish, seabirds, carrion — pirates from other seabirds or kills directly |
| UK population | Around 9,600 pairs in Scotland — most of the world population breeds in the UK |
| Sefton Coast | Regular autumn passage offshore; numbers vary with weather |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Offshore from Formby Point. Northwesterly gales in autumn produce the best sightings.
Identification
Large, powerful, brown seabird. Uniform dark brown with striking white wing flashes. Heavy, hooked bill. Barrel-chested, aggressive. Short central tail projections. Powerful, direct flight.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Seawatch from Formby Point in September–October during northwesterly gales. Great Skuas fly directly and purposefully — their bulk and white wing flashes distinguish them from dark-phase Arctic Skuas.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Great Skuas really attack people?
Yes. Great Skuas are aggressively territorial on their breeding grounds and will 'stoop' on (dive-bomb) any person walking near a nest, sometimes making physical contact. This behaviour is well-known to Shetland birdwatchers. Holding a stick above your head protects the highest point and deters attacks. Outside the breeding season they are not aggressive to people.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.