Species profile
About this species
The Arctic Skua is a medium-sized seabird belonging to the family Stercorariidae, known for its aggressive kleptoparasitic behaviour - chasing other birds to steal their food. It occurs in two colour morphs, a pale form & a dark form, with a streamlined body & pointed central tail feathers. It breeds across Arctic & subarctic regions & is a long-distance migrant, wintering at sea in the Southern Ocean.
Breeds on open Arctic & subarctic tundra, moorland & coastal grassland. Outside the breeding season it is predominantly pelagic, frequenting open ocean & coastal waters during migration & wintering periods.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Arctic Skua with us in Iceland & Scotland.
These departures are part of our Europe programme.
In the field, Robin Lowry helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
June to August during the breeding season in Arctic & subarctic regions, with golden hour light in the midnight sun providing excellent photographic conditions. Midday in summer at high latitudes offers soft, consistent light ideal for flight shots.
Position yourself near breeding colonies during the summer months where birds are most active & approachable, taking care not to disturb nesting pairs. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/2000s to freeze the birds agile, acrobatic flight when capturing aerial pursuit sequences. A telephoto lens of 500mm or longer is recommended to achieve frame-filling shots while maintaining a respectful distance from the subject.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Arctic Skua
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.