Great skua

On Rundefjellet, the great skua is a relatively new arrival, having appeared as recently as 1980, and it follows the northern gannet colony closely.

The great skua is highly territorial, and if we venture too close to its nest, it will not hesitate to attack. We might as well call it the mountain police!

Today, we have up to 60 breeding pairs on the island, the largest mainland colony in Norway. The great skua is brown with mottled white plumage and white patches under its wings. Seen from a distance, its silhouette can resemble a gull, with pointed wingtips and a slender body. On the way up towards Lundeura, it is not uncommon to see the great skua sitting on the moor. The great skua is only aggressive if it feels threatened—if you keep your distance, you have nothing to fear!

The great skua has a unique way of catching food. It hunts and harasses the northern gannet until it regurgitates its meal. In this way, the great skua takes full advantage of the growing gannet colony here on Runde.