1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Skua

"SKUA",
Thus written by Hoier ('circa' 1604) as that of a Faeroese bird
('hodie' Skúir) an example of which he sent to Clusius ('Exotic.'
'Auctarium', p. 367). The word being thence copied by Willughby has
been generally adopted by English authors, and applied by them
to all the congeners of the species to which it was originally peculiar.
the name for a long while given to certain of the
Laridae (see ), birds which sufficiently differ in structure,
appearance and habits to justify their separation as a distinct
genus, 'Stercorarius' ('Lestris' of some writers), or even subfamily,
'Stercorariinae'. Swift of flight, powerfully armed, but above
all endowed with extraordinary courage, they pursue their
weaker cousins, making the latter disgorge their already
swallowed prey, which is nimbly caught before it reaches the
water; and this habit, often observed by sailors and fishermen,
has made these predatory, and parasitic birds locally known as
“Teasers,” “Boatswains,”
This name in seamen's ornithology applies to several other
kinds of birds, and, though perhaps first given to those of this group,
is nowadays most commonly used for the species of
('q.v.'), the projecting middle feathers of the tail in each kind being
generally likened to the marlinespike that is identified with the
boatswain's position; but perhaps the authoritative character
assumed by both bird and officer originally suggested the name.
and, from a misconception of their

intent, “Dunghunters.” On land, however, whither they
resort to breed, they seek food of their own taking, whether
small mammals, little birds, insects or berries; but even here
their uncommon courage is exhibited, and they will defend
their homes and offspring with the utmost spirit against any
intruder, repeatedly shooting down on man or dog that invades
their haunts, while every bird almost, from an eagle downwards,
is repelled by buffets or something worse.



:(Author:Alfred Newton|A. N.)




Category:EB1911:Science:Biology:Animals|Skua Category: EB1911:Science:Biology:Animals|Skua