Long-Tailed Skua Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements
The Long-Tailed Skua (Stercorarius longicaudus) is a striking bird species found in Arctic regions, known for its elegant appearance and impressive aerial abilities.
As a migratory bird, it spends summers breeding in the tundra and winters on the open seas, with occasional sightings in the UK, particularly during migration.
In this article, let’s have a closer look into the dietary habits, breeding patterns, size, and conservation status of the Long-Tailed Skua!
Table of Contents
The Dietary Habits Of The Long-Tailed Skua
Long-Tailed Skuas have adapted to a diverse diet that changes with the seasons and their location, showcasing their remarkable adaptability.
What Does A Long-Tailed Skua Eat?
Long-Tailed Skuas are opportunistic feeders with a varied diet. During the breeding season in the Arctic tundra, they primarily feed on small mammals, particularly lemmings and voles. These rodents form a crucial part of their diet, and the skuas’ breeding success is often closely tied to lemming population cycles.
When at sea or during migration, Long-Tailed Skuas switch to a more marine-based diet. They consume small fish, squid, and marine invertebrates. Interestingly, they are also known to practice kleptoparasitism, a behaviour where they chase other seabirds and force them to regurgitate their recently caught food. This opportunistic feeding strategy allows them to conserve energy while still obtaining nutritious meals.
In addition to live prey, Long-Tailed Skuas will also scavenge on carrion and offal when the opportunity arises. This flexibility in their diet helps them survive in the harsh Arctic environment and during their long migratory journeys.
What To Feed A Baby Long-Tailed Skua?
In the wild, baby Long-Tailed Skuas, known as chicks, are fed by both parents. Their diet consists primarily of insects, spiders, and small rodents that the parents catch and bring back to the nest.
As they grow, parents may also feed them small fish and other marine prey.
Breeding Habits Of Long-Tailed Skuas
Long-Tailed Skuas have unique breeding behaviours adapted to the short Arctic summer.
Do Long-Tailed Skuas Mate For Life?
Long-tailed Skuas do not mate for life but often form strong pair bonds that can last for multiple breeding seasons. They typically return to the same breeding areas each year, which increases the likelihood of reuniting with previous partners.
During courtship, males perform impressive aerial displays, showcasing their agility and the beauty of their long tail streamers. Once paired, both partners participate in nest building, usually creating a simple scrape on the ground lined with moss, lichen, and grass.
Long-Tailed Skuas typically lay 1 to 2 eggs per clutch.
The Size & Weight Of Long-Tailed Skuas
Long-Tailed Skuas are known for their sleek, streamlined bodies and distinctive tail streamers.
How Much Does A Long-Tailed Skua Weigh?
Adult Long-Tailed Skuas typically weigh between 240 to 350 grams. This relatively light weight contributes to their agility in flight and ability to cover vast distances during migration.
The weight of Long-Tailed Skuas can fluctuate seasonally. They may be heavier before migration when they’ve built up fat reserves, and lighter during the breeding season when energy demands are high.
How Big Is A Long-Tailed Skua?
Long-Tailed Skuas measure about 41 to 46 cm in length, including their distinctive tail streamers which can account for up to 30 cm of their total length. Their wingspan ranges from 105 to 117 cm, allowing for efficient gliding and soaring during their long migratory flights.
Despite being the smallest of the skua species, their slender build and long, pointed wings contribute to their graceful appearance in flight.
Are Long-Tailed Skuas Under Threat?
Long-tailed Skuas are not currently considered globally threatened. According to the IUCN Red List, they are classified as a species of Least Concern. In the UK, they are Green-listed in the Birds of Conservation Concern.
The main threats to Long-tailed Skuas include climate change, which affects their Arctic breeding habitats and the availability of their prey species. Changes in lemming populations can significantly impact their breeding success. Additionally, marine pollution and plastic ingestion pose risks during their time at sea.
What Eats A Long-Tailed Skua?
Despite their predatory nature, Long-Tailed Skuas face threats from various predators. In their Arctic breeding grounds, Arctic Foxes are significant predators of both eggs and chicks. Large gulls may also prey on eggs and young skuas.
During migration and in their wintering grounds, Long-Tailed Skuas may fall prey to larger seabirds and raptors. However, their agile flight and ability to defend themselves make adult Long-Tailed Skuas less vulnerable to predation compared to their eggs and chicks.
Where Can I See Long-Tailed Skuas In The UK?
Long-Tailed Skuas are passage migrants in the UK, meaning they can be seen during their migration periods. The best times to spot them are typically in May to June (spring migration) and August to October (autumn migration).
During migration, Long-Tailed Skuas can be observed from coastal watchpoints, particularly along the east and north coasts of the UK. Some popular locations include the Flamborough Head in Yorkshire and along the coastlines of the Shetland and Orkney Islands, where they stop over on their long journeys between the Arctic and their wintering grounds.
SEE ALSO: Long-Tailed Skua Life Cycle: Nest Building To Fledging (and everything in between)
Frequently Asked Questions
The scientific name for the Long-Tailed Skua is Stercorarius longicaudus.
Long-Tailed Skuas can live for 8 to 15 years in the wild, though some individuals have been known to live up to 18 years, depending on environmental conditions and food availability.
The Long-Tailed Skua is smaller and has longer tail streamers than the Arctic Skua. It also has a lighter build and a more delicate flight pattern, while Arctic Skuas are bulkier and known for aggressive behaviour, often stealing food from other seabirds.
The Long-Tailed Skua can be distinguished by its slim build, long pointed wings, and elongated tail streamers. It is also the smallest of the skuas, with a paler, greyish upper body and dark cap. Its unique tail feathers and lighter, more graceful flight help set it apart from other skua species.
