Great Skua [Bonxie]

Stercorarius skua

Local breeders in Northern Scotland on Shetland & Handa Islands with 9,600 pairs, plus 50 pairs for Ireland.

Widespread on passage.

Common species from seawatching places during the Autumn.

Winters in the North Atlantic south to North South America.

They are known as Bonxies in Shetland.

Adults are a streaked greyish brown, with a black cap, while Juveniles are a warmer brown and unstreaked below.

They have a short, blunt tail, and a powerful flight.

The call is a harsh hah-hah-hah-hah; quacking and croaking noises have also been heard.

In flight, the white wing flashes are visible.