What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
skua
Example
The skua swooped down and stole the fish from the penguin. [skua: noun]
Example
We saw several skuas flying over the ocean during our boat trip. [skuas: plural noun]
bonxie
Example
The bonxie chased away the other birds and claimed the fish for itself. [bonxie: noun]
Example
We spotted a group of bonxies on the rocky cliffs near the shore. [bonxies: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Skua is a more commonly used name for the bird, while bonxie is a regional name used mainly in Scotland and Northern England.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between skua and bonxie?
Both skua and bonxie are informal names for the bird and are not commonly used in formal contexts.
