Arctic Skuas

[sprint95m]

Arctic Skuas occur in various shades. The light versions are distinctive but I find the dark ones hard to distinguish from Great Skuas.
What are the differences please, particularly when the birds are standing?

[the_count]

I am assuming were talking juveniles here lol the great skua has a thicker beak and the body lacks any barring. I've never really got that close to them (much to wary) and usually see them flying and then the centre of the tail on the arctic skuais a dead giveaway, even on a juvenile. :D

[Kenn]

The Great Skua is normally a thicker set bird and the white wing bands are more evident.

Artic Skuas appear more hawk like in flight although their colour especially in juveniles can vary from quite light to dark brown.

If it's harassing Gannets then it more likely to be the former.

[Tugmistress]

I am assuming were talking juveniles here lol the great skua has a thicker beak and the body lacks any barring. I've never really got that close to them (much to wary) and usually see them flying and then the centre of the tail on the arctic skuais a dead giveaway, even on a juvenile. :D

hehe if i have the right bird in my head, one thought the camera was fish and all i got was the underside of it's bum it was that close!

[Tugmistress]

Not a great shot but will give you an idea of markings, this i think is a great skua

http://community.dcmag.co.uk/photos/tugmistresss_gallery/images/821719/640x427.aspx

(http://community.dcmag.co.uk/photos/tugmistresss_gallery/images/821719/original.aspx)

[nirofo]

Here's a photo of a dark phase Arctic Skua taken locally a few years ago, it's a much daintier bird, (if that's the right word to describe it), it's about the size of a Common Gull. The Great Skua (Bonxie) is a much heavier and thick set bird, slightly larger than a large Argentatus Herring Gull and much more aggressive.

Arctic Skua - dark phase.
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o71/nirofo/ArcticSkua-darkphase.jpg

nirofo.

[sprint95m]

Here's a photo of a dark phase Arctic Skua taken locally a few years ago, it's a much daintier bird, (if that's the right word to describe it), it's about the size of a Common Gull. The Great Skua (Bonxie) is a much heavier and thick set bird, slightly larger than a large Argentatus Herring Gull and much more aggressive.

Thanks for your description and photograph. I have seen loads of Skuas at the rocks around Longberry (near Wick's South Head). The ones that stand and watch I am sure are all Great Skuas (judging by size). There are usually others out at sea and I think amongst these are Arctic Skuas.
Last year I noticed that the terns returning with fish were flying overland to their nests at Wick harbour. Would this be to avoid attacks from skuas?

[the_count]

i would guess so sprint the great skuas patrol the shoreline all along the coast here so the overland trip would avoid them somewhat :lol: saw a big party of common terns (about 50) fishing just off the trinkie yesterday afternoon.