THE LONG-TAILED OR BUFFON'S SKUA 



THE LONG-TAILED OR BUFFON'S SKUA. 

 Stercorarius parasiticus (Linnaeus). 

 Plate 75. 



This slender and elegant species, which is the true Arctic Skua, is a rather rare 

 visitor to the coasts of the British Islands, and is chiefly seen in autumn. It 

 breeds in the high northern latitudes of Europe, Asia, and America, while in 

 winter it seeks more southerly regions. 



The nest is a mere depression among the moss and lichen of the tundra, and 

 contains two eggs, which, according to Dresser's Manual of Palczarctic Birds, are 

 similar in appearance to those of the Arctic Skua, but as a rule greener in tone and 

 subject to considerable variation. The Long-tailed Skua takes after the other 

 Skuas in its marauding habits, and preys largely on lemmings. 



75 



