UK Wildlife

Great Skua Bonxie of the North

The great skua, known as the 'bonxie' in Shetland, is the UK's largest skua and a powerful predator that breeds on northern moorlands in internationally important numbers.

Key Facts

Over 60% of the world's great skua population breeds in the UK
UK breeding population around 9,600 pairs, mainly in Shetland and Orkney
Aggressive defenders of territory, dive-bombing and physically striking human intruders
Kills and eats other seabirds including puffins, kittiwakes and gannets
Dependent on fishery discards and healthy seabird prey populations

Welfare Considerations

Great skua populations are linked to fish availability and seabird prey abundance. Reductions in fishery discards following quota reforms have reduced an easy food source. Breeding success depends on surrounding seabird colony health.

What You Can Do

Respect nesting great skua areas by walking in groups and covering heads
Support sustainable fishing management that maintains marine ecosystem health
Record great skua through seabird monitoring schemes