Skça

Skúa, commonly written as skua in English, refers to seabirds in the genus Stercorarius. They are medium to large, robust birds of the polar and subpolar oceans, with long wings and strong bills. Adults vary in brown to gray plumage, and juveniles tend to be more streaked. Skúas are noted for their bold behavior and aerial agility, which they use to exploit a variety of food sources.

The genus Stercorarius comprises five species commonly recognized as skuas or jaegers: the great skua (Stercorarius skua), the Arctic skua (Stercorarius parasiticus), the pomarine jaeger (Stercorarius pomarinus), the long-tailed jaeger (Stercorarius longicaudus), and the South polar skua (Stercorarius maccormicki). They breed on remote islands and coastlines in the North Atlantic, Arctic regions, and subantarctic areas, and typically migrate to warmer seas in winter.

Ecology and behavior are central to the skua’s profile. They are opportunistic predators and kleptoparasites, frequently chasing other seabirds to steal their prey. Their diet can include fish, crustaceans, eggs, chicks, carrion, and occasionally other birds. This opportunism is complemented by strong flight and territorial defense, especially during the breeding season.

Reproduction occurs on the ground in colonies, often on cliffs or tundra. Pairs lay a small clutch of eggs, with both parents involved in incubation and chick-rearing. Chicks fledge after several weeks and dispersal typically occurs as juveniles move away from breeding areas.

Conservation status varies by species and region. Skua populations are generally not globally endangered, but local declines can occur due to changes in prey availability, climate impacts, and other seabird pressures.