Stercorarius parasiticus · Icelandic: Kjói

A slender aerial pirate that steals its meals mid-flight.

Habitat: Coastal moorland and cliff-top grassland | Season: May–Aug

Identification

• Slender, falcon-like seabird in dark or pale colour morphs
• Pointed central tail feathers

Behaviour

Chases terns and gulls in agile aerial pursuit until they drop or disgorge their catch.

Did you know?

Unlike the bulkier Great Skua, Arctic Skuas rely on speed and aerobatics rather than brute strength to steal their meals.

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