A bulky, gull-like predator of open seas off the west and east shores of North America. Adult is dark brown with blackish wings, brownish underparts and head, black legs, and stout black bill. In flight, shows a striking white patch on primaries. Some adults are pale brown. Sexes are similar. Juvenile is dark, unpatterned, gray-brown overall, with white wing patch in flight. Great Skua, wintering in northern Atlantic, is very similar, with cinnamon-brown plumage.

Length: 53 (cm) Wingspan: 133 (cm)

Habitat:

Open ocean. Rarely seen from shore.

Behavior:

Like jaegers, skuas bully other seabirds, stealing food when the opportunity arises. In North America, usually seen from a boat, swooping past with white wing flashes evident. On breeding grounds in Antarctica, nests on ground in gravel scrape.

Feeding:

Opportunistic; eats a variety of fish and other aquatic organisms, chicks of other seabirds, garbage, and carrion.