Arctic Skua
The Arctic Skua, also known as the parasitic jaeger, has adapted to some of the planet’s most challenging environments with its streamlined shape, agile flight, and bold behavior.
Facts about Arctic Skua
- Antarctica
- Antarctic Peninsula
- Falkland Islands
- South Georgia
- South Shetland Islands
- Arctic
- Canada
- Greenland
- Iceland
- Jan Mayen
- Svalbard
- South America
- Argentina
- Europe
- Denmark
- England
- France
- Portugal
- Norway
- Scotland
- Spain
Arctic Skua Quick Overview
Scientific Name: Stercorarius parasiticus
Population: Estimated close to 500,000 globally
Regions: Arctic and sub-Arctic during breeding season; migrates to southern oceans during winter
Destinations: Falkland Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, Jan Mayen, Iceland, Canada, Svalbard, Greenland, Denmark, France, Norway, Spain, Portugal, England, Scotland, Argentina
Average Length: Adult: Males: ~0.46 m (1.5 ft), Females: ~0.46 m (1.5 ft); Newborn: ~6–8 cm (2.4–3.1 in)
Average Weight: Adult: ~0.475 kg (1.05 lbs), Females: ~0.475 kg (1.05 lbs); Newborn: ~0.05–0.07 kg (1.8–2.5 oz)
Diet Habits: Primarily kleptoparasitic – steals food from other birds; also hunts small birds, fish, and insects
Arctic Skua Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Stercorariidae
Genus: Stercorarius
Species: S. parasiticus
Arctic Skua Explorer Passport
English: Arctic Skua
Danish: Almindelig Kjove
Chinese: 极地贼鸥 (Jídì zéi’ōu)
Swedish: Fjällabb
Finnish: Kuikkalintu
Norwegian: Tyvjo
Polish: Wydrzyk pasożytniczy
Japanese: トウゾクカモメ (Tōzoku-kamome)
Spanish: Págalo Parásito
French: Labbe parasite
Unlocking the Secrets of the Arctic Skua
Where does the Arctic skua live?
The Arctic Skua habitat includes Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra regions across Iceland, Svalbard, Greenland, and northern Canada. During the non-breeding season, this bird migrates to the southern oceans, where it is often seen offshore in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula.
How big is an Arctic skua?
The Arctic skua bird size is about 46 cm (18 inches) in length, with a wingspan of up to 125 cm (4.1 feet), and adults weigh between 350 to 600 grams.
What does the Arctic skua eat?
Arctic Skua diet primarily consists of fish, small birds, and insects, but they are best known for kleptoparasitism—stealing food from other seabirds mid-air. This bold behaviour has earned them the name “parasitic jaeger” in North America.
What are the biggest threats to the Arctic skua?
Major threats to the Arctic skua bird include climate change affecting Arctic breeding grounds, Arctic fox predation, and habitat disturbances from human activities. Additionally, changes in prey availability and marine pollution are rising concerns for the Arctic skua.
How fast is an Arctic skua?
The Arctic Skua in flight is incredibly agile and fast, capable of reaching speeds of 50 kph (31 mph).
Arctic Skuas soaring over icy seas
How Many of These 10 Arctic Skua Facts Did You Already Know?
Arctic Skua Fact #1:
The Arctic Skua does not have bars on the upper side of its wing.
Arctic Skua Fact #2:
The expected length of the central tail feathers ranges from seven to eight centimetres.
Arctic Skua Fact #3:
Arctic skuas are found in two colour varieties: light and dark.
Arctic Skua Fact #4:
Both male and female Arctic skuas look the same.
Arctic Skua Fact #5:
Arctic skuas summer look includes a dark cap and white underpart.
Arctic Skua Fact #6:
Young skuas take 3–4 years to develop their adult feathers.
Arctic Skua Fact #7:
Juvenile Arctic skuas have barred necks and mottled bellies.
Arctic Skua Fact #8:
Dark morphs of Arctic skuas are more common in the southern part of their range.
Arctic Skua Fact #9:
Light morphs of Arctic skuas dominate the northern Arctic regions.
Arctic Skua Fact #10:
Arctic skua adaptations include fast flight and food-stealing skills for survival.
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