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skua Definition

skua (skyo̵̅o̅ə)

noun

  1. a large, brown-and-white, predatory shorebird (Catharacta skua, family Stercorariidae) found in cold seas
  2. Brit. jaeger (sense )

Etymology: ModL, adapted (c. 1604) < Faroese skūgver < ON skūfr, tuft, sheaf (akin to shop)

skua Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • include: For example, northern breeders including skuas funnel through the English Channel into the North Sea on the way to their breeding grounds.
  • nest: Here you also find nesting arctic skua and bonxie ( great skua ).

Adjective modifier

  • arctic: Also a great northern diver and 2 arctic skua flew east.
  • great: Figure 2. Wing of a great skua showing the bold white flash of feathers.
  • many: Although many individual skuas keep the same mate each breeding season, some birds select another mate.
  • brown: Predation by brown skuas was a major cause of egg and chick loss.
  • male: What advantage might there be for this behavior for: a ) the male skua b ) the female skua?
  • long-tailed: In Jameson Land, we look for musk oxen and collared lemmings and predatory long-tailed skua, snowy owl and arctic fox.

Modifies a noun

  • colony: Southern Iceland is known for its great skua colony living on the sands.

Noun used with modifier

  • pomarine: Pomarine skua -- 3 flying north past the Fajara hotel on 12th and 14th.

Browse dictionary entries near skua

  1. SKU
  2. Skr
  3. Skopje
  4. skookum
  5. Skokie
  6. skoal
  7. skivvy
  8. skiver
  9. skive
  10. skittle
  1. skulduggery
  2. skulk
  3. skull
  4. skull and crossbones
  5. skullcap
  6. skunk
  7. skunk cabbage
  8. skunk works
  9. skunkweed
  10. sky