Skuas are opportunistic predators and scavengers, and their diet includes fish, squid, krill, and other seabirds' eggs and chicks. They are also known to kleptoparasitize, or steal food from other birds. Skuas are found in all oceans, but they are most common in the Southern Hemisphere. They breed in colonies on remote islands and coasts, and they are highly territorial.
Skuas typically mate for life, and they lay two or three eggs per clutch. The eggs are incubated by both parents, and the chicks hatch after about a month. The chicks are precocial, meaning that they are able to walk and feed themselves shortly after hatching. Skuas typically live for about 20 years.
Skuas are important predators and scavengers in the marine environment, and they play a role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. They are also popular birds with birdwatchers, due to their striking appearance and aggressive behaviour.