Great Skua
Stercorarius skua
Length 58cm

Chocolate-brown plumage recalls that of immature gull but relatively large head, bulky proportions and dark legs and bill soon confirm identity. In flight, shows conspicuous white patches near wingtips. In good light, resting bird shows mane of golden-brown feathers on nape. Summer visitor to breeding grounds in N Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, present from May to August. At other times, found at sea S of region; observed around coasts on migration, most easily from headlands in W during onshore gales. Kills seabirds such as puffins but also parasitises birds as large as gannets by forcing them to regurgitate last meal.