Arctic Skua, Stercorarius parasiticus, illustrated by Nils Tirén (1885-1935)
The Arctic Skua, Stercorarius parasiticus, known as the Parasitic Jaeger in North America, and referred to as the Parasitic Skua in some publications, is a seabird in the skua family Stercorariidae. This species breeds in the north of Eurasia and North America, with significant populations as far south as northern Scotland. It nests on dry tundra, higher fells and islands, laying up to four olive-brown eggs. It is usually silent except for newing and wailing notes while on the breeding grounds. Like other skuas, it will fly at the head of a human or fox approaching its nest. Although it cannot inflict serious damage, it is a frightening and painful experience. It is a migrant, wintering at sea in the tropics and southern oceans. In the British Isles, they breed in Shetland and Orkney, the Outer Hebrides, Sutherland, Caithness, and some islands in Argyll. This bird will feed on lemmings and other rodents on the breeding grounds, but also robs gulls and terns of their catches. Like the larger skua species, it continues this piratical behaviour throughout the year, showing great agility as it harasses its victims.
Size: 3359px × 5223px
Photo credit: © markku murto/art / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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