ARCTIC SKUA Meaning and
Definition
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The Arctic Skua is a predatory seabird that belongs to the family Stercorariidae. Scientifically known as Stercorarius parasiticus, this species can be found inhabiting the Arctic regions, particularly the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America.
With a wingspan ranging from 110 to 125 centimeters, the Arctic Skua is a medium-sized bird characterized by its broad wings and pointed tail. It displays a distinctive plumage, with adults having a dark brown body and a paler underside, while juveniles exhibit a mottled brown appearance.
Known for their aggressive nature, Arctic Skuas are opportunistic predators that scavenge and engage in kleptoparasitism, meaning they steal food from other birds. They often harass and chase smaller seabirds, such as terns and gulls, forcing them to drop their prey, which the Arctic Skua then skillfully catches mid-air. This behavior has earned them the nickname "pirate of the seas."
During the breeding season, Arctic Skuas establish their nests on Arctic tundra or rocky coastal areas. They lay one to three eggs, which hatch after an incubation period of around 25 to 29 days. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks until they fledge, which occurs about six weeks after hatching.
Conservation-wise, the Arctic Skua is classified as a species of "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating that it currently faces no significant threats or population decline. However, their population trends should be monitored due to potential future impacts from climate change and shifts in prey availability.
Common Misspellings for ARCTIC SKUA
- zrctic skua
- srctic skua
- wrctic skua
- qrctic skua
- aectic skua
- adctic skua
- afctic skua
- atctic skua
- a5ctic skua
- a4ctic skua
- arxtic skua
- arvtic skua
- arftic skua
- ardtic skua
- arcric skua
- arcfic skua
- arcgic skua
- arcyic skua
- arc6ic skua
Etymology of ARCTIC SKUA
The word "Arctic Skua" can be broken down into two parts: "Arctic" and "Skua".
The term "Arctic" derives from the Greek word "arktos", which means "bear". This term was originally used by the ancient Greeks to refer to the constellation Ursa Major, which includes the Big Dipper. Eventually, the term "Arctic" was used to describe the region around the North Pole, which is home to polar bears and has a polar climate.
The word "Skua" has a more complex etymology. The term itself comes from the Faroese word "skúgvur", which refers to the bird. The Faroese language is spoken in the Faroe Islands, an archipelago located between Iceland and Norway.
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