STERCORARIUS CATARRH ACTES.
G re a t Skua.
Larus Catarrhactes, Linn. Syst. Nat., tom. i. p. 226.
fuscus, Briss. Orn., tom. vi. p. 165.
Lestris catharractes, 111. Prod. Syst. Mamm. et Av., p. 273.
Catharacta Skua, Brünn. Orn. Bor., no. 125.
Cataractes vulgaris, Flem. Edinb. Phil. Joum., vol. i. p. 97.
Catarractes skua, Steph. Cont. Shaw’s Gen. Zool., vol. xiii. p. 215.
Catarractes noster, Sibb. Scot. Illust., vol. ii. p. 20, pi. 14. fig. 1.
Stercorarius catarrhactes, Gray and Mitch. Gen. of Birds, vol. iii. p. 653, Stercorarius, sp. 5.
Lestris antárctica, Less. Traité d’Om., p. 616.
Megalestris catarractes, Bonap. Consp. Av. 1856, p. 206.
This is the largest species of a group of sea-birds distinguished for many peculiarities in their habits and
economy, and to which the generic terms Stercorarius, Coprotheres, and Lestris have been applied, either
to the species collectively or to the three divisions into which they have been separated; but, for myself,
I prefer to keep them under one appellation.
The Great Skua is the solitary wanderer which visits the seas on both sides of the Line—the great
brown bird seen by all voyagers who round the Capes o f Good Hope and Horn—the Cape-Hen o f the
sealers, the Port-Egmont Hen of Hawksbury’s and Cook’s Voyages. I have stated that this bird is found
on both sides o f the Equator ; at the same time I am aware that the birds o f this form frequenting the
southern hemisphere have been considered and characterized as distinct, under the name o f Stercorarius
antarcticus; but my own opinion is, that the birds o f both hemispheres are referable to one and the same
species.
The Great Skua is unknown in Greenland, but, according to Mr. Alfred Newton, is pretty common along
the coasts o f Iceland, and occasionally breeds some distance inland. Faber says it is resident, and names
four breeding-places in the south—-an island in the GElfusa, a sandy plain opposite the Vestmanneyjar,
and the dunes of SkeiSarasanBr and Breisamerkr. Dr. Kriiper saw it in the north in summer-time; so
that it probably breeds there also. In Scandinavia it is accounted rare, and it is very doubtful if it breeds
in any part of the country. Mr. Newton does not recollect seeing the bird more than once during three
voyages along the coast o f Norway. It is not found in Spitsbergen; and though Von Baer includes it
in his list o f the birds o f Nova Zembla, I am disposed to think the information is erroneous. It is utterly
unknown on the coast of Siberia. Strange to say, Professor Baird’s ‘ List o f American Birds ’ gives the
western or Californian coast only as the habitat o f ’ the bird in that country. In all the situations above-
mentioned, whether the bird be at sea or on the grass-covered bleak hills o f the islands upon which it
breeds, its presence is soon made known by its daring spirit. During the breeding-season, it is said that
every animal is savagely attacked that approaches too near its nest, and that the Eagle and the Great Gull
speedily scurry away out o f distance, should they have ventured within its precincts.
“ The Skua,” says Macgillivray, “ has much of the aquiline character, although it is not known to pounce
on its prey and carry it off in its claws. On the other hand, it bears a great resemblance to the Gulls both
in form and habits, keeping its body horizontal when standing, walking, and running with quick steps, and
having a light and buoyant flight, more rapid and direct, however, than that o f the Gulls. Its voice is
sharp and shrill, and it is from the resemblance o f its cry to that o f the word skua or skui that it obtains
its popular name. Dr. Edmonston informs me that ‘ the Skua has now become rare in Shetland, in
consequence o f proprietors permitting rapacious bird-collectors to shoot them indiscriminately during the
breeding-season. In Unst there is only one locality frequented by them, and in all the country there are
not more than four or five. In the one alluded to, the colony had been reduced to a single pair some years
a g o ; since then it has been efficiently protected, and now it reckons more than ten pairs. This is, I
suppose, the most northern preserve in Great Britain, and as such, perhaps, deserves to be recorded. The
Skua is hardy and easily tamed. In captivity he is gentle and affectionate, and will feed on almost anything.
When offended, he raises his wings and yelps in the manner o f the Eagle; but his bearing is much more
dignified and magnanimous. The bird remains with us during summer.?” '•'< '
The Rev. Mr. Low gives the following account o f the Skua as seen on the island o f Foula, to the westward
of the Shetland Isle s:— “ As I approached the summits of the high mountains, I came near the Skua’s
quarters, which are affixed on the very peaks. I no sooner drew near than I was attacked with such
great fury, that every one who was with me, as well as myself, were obliged to do him obeisance at every