Beautiful parasite
Some birds are exceptionally beautiful but this does not mean that they are friendly or kind. Nature doesn't work that way* and this elegant flier is no exception.
Long-tailed Skuas are bullies, harassing other birds returning home after making a catch. They will cause the other bird to drop their fish where the Long-tailed Skuas can retrieve it.During the breeding season they will rely more on hunting down the rodent population. They will hover over their prey, then swoop down to pounce and peck its victim to death.
* Long-tailed Skua eggs and young are prey for Arctic Foxes and various rodents - and so life goes on the Arctic tundra.
Long-tailed Skua flight Arctic Norway (large)_7136
Beautiful parasite
Some birds are exceptionally beautiful but this does not mean that they are friendly or kind. Nature doesn't work that way* and this elegant flier is no exception.
Long-tailed Skuas are bullies, harassing other birds returning home after making a catch. They will cause the other bird to drop their fish where the Long-tailed Skuas can retrieve it.During the breeding season they will rely more on hunting down the rodent population. They will hover over their prey, then swoop down to pounce and peck its victim to death.
* Long-tailed Skua eggs and young are prey for Arctic Foxes and various rodents - and so life goes on the Arctic tundra.
Long-tailed Skua flight Arctic Norway (large)_7136