Arctic Skua

The Arctic Skua (Stercorarius parasiticus), also known as the Parasitic Jaeger, is a striking seabird often seen on our tours in Faxaflói Bay. Known for its agile flight and sharp, pointed wings, the Arctic Skua is a bold and opportunistic bird, often engaging in aerial chases to steal food from other seabirds—a behavior called kleptoparasitism. These skuas come in two main color morphs, light and dark, adding variety to their appearance. While they are skilled hunters themselves, their dynamic interactions with other birds make them particularly fascinating to observe. Their frequent presence in the bay showcases the lively and competitive dynamics of Iceland’s seabird populations.