But Bonxies do not stop at just that; they are notorious and infamous predators. From chicks off ledges in a crowded seabird colony to picking off Puffins from the cliff tops or even out of the air- many individuals become stealthy and resourceful predators. It has been known for just a few birds to wipe out entire colonies of Kittiwakes.
It is the Great Skuas presence in the "lambin parks" that has however in the past caused great controversy amongst crofters through out the Isles and with little wonder. With that said though, similarly to the predatory percentage of Bonxies, only a few will take livestock. Never the less, a few can often have a serious impact on newborn lambs especially.
Going back a couple of hundred years or more, it was a very different tale - Bonxies had an almost sacred status amongst fishermen and even crofters. They were once known to see off the mighty White-tailed sea eagle which were then the menace to livestock!