The Birds

The Atlantic Puffin is undoubtedly the most famous bird on Runde and one of the main reasons why thousands of visitors travel to this small island off the west coast of Norway. With its colourful beak, black and white plumage, and distinctive orange feet, the puffin is easy to recognize and highly popular among photographers and nature lovers. During the breeding season, Atlantic Puffins return from the open sea to their nesting areas on Runde, where they breed in burrows and rocky slopes. The best-known area for observing them is Lundeura, where visitors can often watch puffins flying between the sea and their nesting sites. Puffins feed mainly on small fish, which they catch by diving underwater. Seeing a puffin carrying several small fish in its beak is one of the classic wildlife experiences on Runde.
The Northern Gannet is one of the most impressive seabirds that can be seen around Runde. It is a large and powerful bird with a long wingspan, a white body, black wing tips, and a pale yellow head. Gannets are particularly spectacular to watch when hunting because they can dive into the sea from great heights at remarkable speed. These dramatic dives make them a favourite subject for wildlife photographers. Around Runde, Northern Gannets can often be seen flying along the coast or searching for fish in the surrounding waters. They feed mainly on fish and are highly adapted to life at sea. Although the Atlantic Puffin is more famous among tourists, the Northern Gannet provides one of the most dramatic and memorable birdwatching experiences around the island.
The Common Guillemot is one of the characteristic birds of Runde’s dramatic seabird cliffs. It belongs to the auk family and has a streamlined black-and-white appearance that makes it well adapted to life both in the air and underwater. During the breeding season, guillemots gather in large colonies on narrow rocky ledges, where they lay their eggs directly on the bare rock. Their crowded nesting colonies can be an impressive sight and contribute greatly to the atmosphere and soundscape of the bird cliffs. Common Guillemots are excellent divers and spend much of their lives at sea, where they hunt for fish and other marine animals. Visitors to Runde may observe them resting on cliff ledges, swimming offshore, or flying rapidly across the water.
The Razorbill is another important member of the auk family found around Runde. It has a striking black-and-white appearance and is easily distinguished by its thick, deep bill, which gives the bird its English name. Razorbills are seabirds that spend much of their lives on the open sea, but they return to coastal cliffs and rocky areas during the breeding season. They are excellent swimmers and divers, using their wings to move underwater while searching for fish. On Runde, the Razorbill is part of the rich seabird community that makes the island such an attractive destination for birdwatchers. Although it may not attract as much attention as the colourful Atlantic Puffin, the Razorbill is an important and fascinating part of Runde’s marine birdlife and a rewarding species to observe.
The White-tailed Eagle is one of the most impressive birds that visitors may encounter around Runde. It is Europe’s largest eagle and has an enormous wingspan, a powerful body, and broad wings that make it unmistakable when seen soaring over the landscape. Adult birds have a distinctive white tail, while younger eagles are generally darker. White-tailed Eagles are closely associated with coastal environments, where they hunt fish, seabirds, and other available prey. Around Runde and the surrounding islands, they can sometimes be seen flying high above the coast or sitting in exposed locations. Spotting one of these magnificent birds is a memorable experience for many visitors and photographers. Although the eagle is not as predictable to see as the seabirds in the large colonies, it remains one of the most exciting wildlife sightings in the area.
The Great Skua is one of the most distinctive and dramatic seabirds associated with Runde. This large, powerful bird has a dark brown appearance and a strong, aggressive personality. Great Skuas are sometimes known as the pirates of the seabird world because they may chase other birds and steal fish from them. They are also capable hunters and will take a wide variety of food from the sea and surrounding environment. During the breeding season, Great Skuas can be territorial and protective of their nesting areas, which makes them particularly interesting to observe from a respectful distance. Their powerful flight and bold behaviour make them stand out among the many seabirds of Runde. For birdwatchers interested in the more dramatic side of nature, the Great Skua is one of the island’s most fascinating species.
The European Shag is a familiar sight along the rocky coastline of Runde. This elegant seabird has dark, glossy plumage and a long neck, giving it a distinctive silhouette when swimming or resting on coastal rocks. During the breeding season, adult birds develop a small crest on the head, making them particularly attractive and recognizable. European Shags are excellent underwater hunters and mainly feed on fish. They dive beneath the surface and use their powerful feet to move through the water while searching for prey. Visitors to Runde can often see them swimming close to the shore, diving repeatedly, or sitting on rocks with their wings spread out to dry. The European Shag may not be as colourful or famous as the Atlantic Puffin, but it is an important and characteristic part of Runde’s coastal birdlife.
The Black-legged Kittiwake is a graceful gull and an important part of the seabird environment around Runde. It is smaller and more delicate in appearance than many other gull species, with a white head and body, grey wings, and distinctive black markings on the wing tips. Kittiwakes often nest in colonies on steep cliff faces, where their calls and constant activity contribute to the lively atmosphere of the bird cliffs. They spend much of their lives at sea and feed mainly on small fish and other marine organisms. Watching a group of kittiwakes flying around the cliffs can provide visitors with an excellent impression of the busy and constantly changing seabird ecosystem. Their presence is an important part of Runde’s natural soundscape and visual character.
The Black Guillemot is a beautiful and distinctive seabird that can be found in coastal areas around Runde. During the breeding season, its dark plumage contrasts strongly with a large white wing patch and bright red feet. In winter, its appearance changes dramatically, becoming much paler and more mottled. Black Guillemots are excellent divers and spend much of their time searching underwater for fish, crustaceans, and other marine prey. Unlike some of the birds that form huge colonies on steep cliffs, Black Guillemots often use rocky coastlines and sheltered areas. This can make them interesting for visitors exploring different parts of Runde. Although smaller and less famous than the Atlantic Puffin, the Black Guillemot is a striking and rewarding bird for anyone interested in observing the rich diversity of seabirds around the island.
The Northern Fulmar is a remarkable seabird that is perfectly adapted to life over the open ocean. It has a gull-like appearance but belongs to a completely different group of seabirds. Fulmars are known for their effortless and elegant flight, often gliding for long periods without flapping their wings. They use the strong winds around coastal cliffs and the open sea to remain airborne with very little effort. Around Runde, visitors may see Northern Fulmars gliding close to the cliffs or travelling over the surrounding waters. They feed on fish, squid, small marine animals, and other food found at sea. Their calm and efficient flight makes them especially interesting to watch during windy weather. The Northern Fulmar is an important part of the dramatic marine landscape that makes Runde such a special destination for birdwatchers.
The Common Eider is one of the most characteristic sea ducks found along the Norwegian coast and can be seen in the waters around Runde. The species is especially well known for the striking appearance of the male, which has contrasting black and white plumage and a pale green patch on the head. Females have a more discreet brown and mottled appearance, helping them blend into their surroundings while nesting. Common Eiders spend much of their time at sea, where they dive to feed on mussels, crustaceans and other animals found on the seabed. Visitors to Runde may see small groups floating offshore or diving beneath the surface in search of food. The Common Eider is an important part of Norway’s coastal wildlife and adds to the diversity of birds found around Runde.
The Eurasian Oystercatcher is one of the most recognizable birds along the coast of Runde. With its black-and-white plumage, long bright orange bill and pinkish-red legs, it is easy to identify. The species is also well known for its loud and distinctive calls, which are often heard around beaches, rocky shores and coastal meadows. Despite its English name, the Eurasian Oystercatcher does not depend only on oysters for food. It feeds on a variety of shellfish, worms and other small animals found in coastal areas. Using its strong bill, it can open shells or search for prey hidden in the ground. Visitors to Runde may encounter oystercatchers in several coastal environments, making them one of the more accessible and enjoyable birds for nature lovers and photographers.
The Great Black-backed Gull is the largest gull species in the world and one of the most powerful seabirds that visitors may encounter around Runde. It has a large, heavy body, pale underparts, dark upper wings and a strong yellow bill. Its impressive size makes it easy to distinguish from many other gulls, especially when several species are seen together. Great Black-backed Gulls are highly adaptable and feed on a wide variety of food, including fish, shellfish, eggs, smaller birds and carrion. Around Runde, they can be seen flying along the coast, resting on rocky shores or searching for food near the sea. Although gulls are sometimes overlooked by tourists, the Great Black-backed Gull is an impressive bird and an important part of the coastal ecosystem surrounding the island.
The European Herring Gull is a familiar and widespread seabird along the Norwegian coast, including the area around Runde. It is a large gull with a white head and body, pale grey wings and distinctive black-and-white markings near the wing tips. Its strong yellow bill and pink legs also help to identify it. European Herring Gulls are highly adaptable and can be found in many different coastal environments, including cliffs, beaches, harbours and open waters. Their diet is varied and may include fish, shellfish, eggs and other available food sources. Visitors to Runde are likely to encounter these gulls while exploring the coastline. Although the species may be less exotic than the Atlantic Puffin, it plays an important role in the island’s birdlife and coastal ecosystem.
The Lesser Black-backed Gull is an elegant and active gull that may be seen around Runde, particularly during the warmer part of the year. It is slightly smaller and more slender than the Great Black-backed Gull and has dark grey to almost black upper wings, a white head and body, and distinctive yellow legs. This species is also known for its impressive migratory behaviour, with many birds travelling long distances between their breeding and wintering areas. Around Runde, Lesser Black-backed Gulls can be observed along the coastline, over the sea and near areas where food is available. They have a varied diet that includes fish, marine animals and other food sources. For visitors interested in identifying different gull species, the Lesser Black-backed Gull provides an interesting contrast to the larger and more powerful Great Black-backed Gull.
The Common Gull is a medium-sized gull that can be found in a variety of environments around the Norwegian coast. Despite its English name, it is an interesting and distinctive species that forms an important part of the birdlife around Runde. It is smaller than the European Herring Gull and has a relatively gentle appearance, with pale grey wings, a white body and a slimmer bill. Common Gulls are adaptable and may be seen along beaches, rocky shores, grasslands and coastal settlements. Their diet is varied and can include fish, insects, marine invertebrates and other available food. Visitors to Runde may encounter them while walking along the coast or exploring the island’s natural areas. The Common Gull helps create the lively coastal atmosphere that characterizes Runde.
The Arctic Tern is one of the world’s most remarkable migratory birds and can be found in coastal areas around Runde during the breeding season. This graceful bird has a slender body, long pointed wings, a deeply forked tail and a bright red bill. Arctic Terns are famous for their extraordinary migrations between their breeding grounds in the Arctic and their wintering areas near Antarctica. Some individuals travel enormous distances every year, making the Arctic Tern one of the greatest travellers in the natural world. Around Runde, visitors may see them flying rapidly over the sea, hovering above the water or diving to catch small fish. Their elegant flight and remarkable global journey make the Arctic Tern a particularly fascinating species for birdwatchers and tourists.
The Common Tern is a graceful seabird that can sometimes be seen around Runde and other coastal areas of Norway. It has a slender body, long pointed wings, a forked tail and a sharp bill, giving it an elegant and lightweight appearance in flight. Common Terns are skilled hunters and feed mainly on small fish, which they catch by diving into the water. Visitors may observe them hovering above the sea before suddenly dropping toward the surface to capture their prey. During the breeding season, Common Terns may form colonies in suitable coastal areas where they can raise their young. They are highly active birds and can be enjoyable to watch as they fly back and forth over the water. Their elegant movements make them a popular subject for bird and wildlife photographers.
The Peregrine Falcon is one of the most exciting birds of prey that may be seen around Runde. It is famous for being the fastest bird in the world, reaching extraordinary speeds when diving through the air to catch other birds. The Peregrine Falcon has a powerful, compact body, pointed wings and distinctive dark markings on its head. It is strongly associated with cliffs and rocky landscapes, where it may nest and use high viewpoints to search for prey. Runde’s dramatic coastal cliffs provide a suitable environment for birds of prey and make sightings of the Peregrine Falcon particularly memorable. Because the species is less predictable than the large seabird colonies, seeing one can feel especially rewarding. For birdwatchers and photographers, the Peregrine Falcon represents the wild and powerful side of Runde’s birdlife.
The Arctic Skua is a fast and agile seabird that may be seen around Runde during the breeding season and migration periods. It is known for its bold behaviour and impressive flying skills. Like the larger Great Skua, the Arctic Skua is sometimes described as a pirate of the seabird world because it may chase other birds in an attempt to steal their food. However, it also catches its own prey and feeds on a variety of marine animals and other available food sources. Arctic Skuas can occur in different colour forms, ranging from pale to dark, which can make identification interesting for birdwatchers. Their fast, direct flight and energetic behaviour make them exciting to observe. A sighting of an Arctic Skua adds another dimension to the diverse seabird experience around Runde.
The Northern Wheatear is a small and active songbird that can be found in open and rocky landscapes around Runde. Unlike many of the famous seabirds on the island, the Northern Wheatear is often seen on the ground, on stone walls or perched on rocks. It has a distinctive appearance, particularly the male during the breeding season, with grey upperparts, darker wings and a characteristic dark mask across the face. One of the easiest features to recognize is the bird’s white rump, which can often be seen when it flies away. Northern Wheatears feed mainly on insects and other small invertebrates found in open habitats. Visitors exploring the hills and open landscapes of Runde may encounter these energetic birds. Their presence demonstrates that Runde’s birdlife includes much more than the famous seabird colonies.
The Ring Ouzel is an attractive and distinctive member of the thrush family that may be encountered in suitable habitats on Runde, particularly during migration or in open upland areas. It resembles the Common Blackbird in shape and size but has darker plumage and a characteristic pale crescent-shaped marking across the breast. This distinctive feature gives the species its English name. Ring Ouzels are associated with open landscapes, rocky terrain and mountainous environments, where they search for insects, worms, berries and other food. They can be more difficult to observe than the large and conspicuous seabirds, making a sighting particularly rewarding for birdwatchers. Visitors who explore the less crowded parts of Runde may discover that the island’s birdlife extends far beyond its famous puffins and seabird cliffs.

Leave a Comment