Arctic skua

Arctic skua — Stercorarius parasiticus

Arctic skua is a seabird breeding in Sweden, known for fast flight and for pursuing gulls and terns to obtain food.

What identifies Arctic skua in Sweden?

Arctic skua (Stercorarius parasiticus) is a dark seabird roughly the size of a common gull, with narrow pointed wings and elongated central tail feathers in adults. It occurs in both pale and dark colour morphs.

An Arctic skua standing on rocky tundra ground, showing a dark cap, pale breast and elongated central tail feathers. — Billy Lindblom

Source: SLU Swedish Species Information Centre: Artfakta – Arctic skua · Last verified: 8 September 2026

Red List status is time-bound and sensitive breeding locations are deliberately excluded.

Identification

SLU describes Arctic skua as a dark, fast-flying seabird roughly the size of a gull.

Colour variation

The species occurs in both pale and dark morphs, producing substantial variation between individuals.

Behaviour

It is often seen pursuing gulls and terns in flight to make them release or regurgitate food.

Red List status

In Sweden’s 2025 Red List Arctic skua is classified as Vulnerable (VU). Sensitive breeding locations should not be published.