skua

skua

noun \ˈskyü-ə\

Definition of SKUA

: any of various seabirds (genus Catharacta) related to the jaegers: as

a : great skua

b : a bird (C. maccormicki) that resembles but is slightly smaller than the great skua and that breeds in the Antarctic

Origin of SKUA

New Latin, from Faeroese skúgvur; akin to Old Norse skūfr tassel, skua, Old English scēaf sheaf — more at sheaf

First Known Use: 1678

Other Birds Terms

aerie, bunting, clutch, covey, hackle, ratite, rictus, ruff, skein, zygodactyl

skua

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Species (Catharacta skua, family Stercorariidae) of predatory seabird, called great skua in Britain (where the jaegers are also called skua). It is about 24 in. (60 cm) long. It resembles a heavily built gull, with brownish body and large white wing patches. It is the only bird that breeds in both the Arctic and the Antarctic. The agile, swift skuas force other birds to disgorge food; they nest near penguins, petrels, murres, and terns, stealing their eggs and young. They also eat lemmings and carrion.