Great Skua

Overview
Great Skua: Large, heavy-bodied seabird, prominent white patch in primary feathers. Body color ranges from a light bleached to dark brown, all have a cinammon wash that makes the bird look red-tinged. Strong direct flight with constant shallow wingbeats. Hugs wave contours or flies up to 150 feet.

Range and Habitat
Great Skua: Breeds on rocky islands around Greenland, then ranges south along the Atlantic Coast in winter, staying well offshore and rarely seen from land.

INTERESTING FACTS
In Britain, the Great Skua is sometimes known by the name Bonxie, a Shetland name of unknown origin. It will directly attack and kill other seabirds, up to the size of Great Black-backed Gulls. It will fly at the head of a human or other intruder approaching its nest. A group of skuas are collectively known as a "shishkab" of skuas.