Kittiwake
Rissa tridactyla
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Kittiwake is a medium-sized gull with distinctive black wingtips contrasting against its predominantly white plumage. Its back and upper wings are pale grey, and it has a yellow bill and black legs, giving rise to its alternative name, Black-legged Kittiwake. Non-breeding adults of both sexes develop dark markings around the face and head.
Females and males have the same plumages at all stages of their lifecycles and are best distinguished by behavioural differences and size measurements.
Juveniles differ with a black 'W' pattern across their wings and a black neck band, gradually disappearing as they mature over their first year.
Size
Length
37cm to 41cm
Wingspan
91cm to 110cm
Weight
305g to 525g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White Grey
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Kittiwakes are pelagic seabirds that spend most of their lives over open oceans. They breed on steep coastal cliffs and offshore islands across the North Pacific, North Atlantic, and Arctic oceans. Their range includes coastal areas of North America, Europe, and Asia.
In winter, they disperse widely across the North Atlantic and Pacific, with some individuals reaching as far south as the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Mexico. In the UK, significant breeding colonies can be found along the coasts of Scotland, Northern England, and Wales.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 100 meters
Climate zones
Subarctic, Temperate, Subpolar
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Kittiwake. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Kittiwakes demonstrate remarkable agility in flight, capable of graceful aerial manoeuvres and precise hovering over the sea surface. Their ability to plunge-dive from heights of up to 10 metres showcases their impressive aerial control.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
While not exceptionally strong compared to larger seabirds, Kittiwakes possess adequate strength for their size. They can withstand harsh coastal conditions and carry nesting materials to build sturdy nests on cliff faces.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Kittiwakes show good adaptability, thriving in various coastal environments across the Northern Hemisphere. Their ability to drink saltwater and sleep whilst flying demonstrates physiological adaptations to their pelagic lifestyle.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally not highly aggressive, Kittiwakes are social birds that live in large colonies. However, they may display some aggression when defending nesting sites or competing for food, particularly during breeding season.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Kittiwakes exhibit impressive endurance as pelagic seabirds, spending most of their lives over open oceans. Their long-distance migratory behaviour and ability to withstand harsh oceanic conditions throughout the year indicate substantial stamina.
Diet
Kittiwakes primarily feed on small fish such as sand eels, capelin, and herring. They forage by plunge-diving into the sea from heights of up to 10 meters, snatching prey from just below the surface.
During the breeding season, they may also consume small crustaceans and marine invertebrates, like squid and krill.
These birds do not feed on scraps or visit rubbish dumps like other gull species, although they occasionally feed on carrion, land animals like earthworms, and vegetable matter like grain.
Behaviour
Kittiwakes are highly social birds, often seen in large, noisy colonies on coastal cliffs. They are excellent flyers, capable of graceful aerial manoeuvres and hovering over the sea surface while foraging.
During the breeding season, pairs engage in elaborate courtship displays, including synchronised calling and head-bobbing.
Vocalisation
The Kittiwake's call is the source of its name, a distinctive three-syllable 'kit-ti-wake' often repeated in rapid succession.
During the breeding season, colonies produce a cacophony of these calls, creating a lively atmosphere. They also use softer, purring sounds for pair bonding and communication with chicks.
Nesting & Breeding
Kittiwakes form monogamous pairs and typically return to the same breeding sites each year. The breeding season begins in May, with pairs engaging in elaborate courtship displays on narrow cliff ledges.
Nests are constructed from mud, seaweed, and grass, plastered onto vertical cliff faces. Females usually lay 1-3 eggs, which are pale with dark speckles. Both parents share incubation duties.
Incubation lasts about 27 days, and chicks fledge after 35-40 days. Parents continue to feed fledglings for several weeks as they learn to forage independently.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
Kittiwakes face significant threats due to climate change and overfishing, which affect their food supply. Their conservation status is Vulnerable, with populations declining in many parts of their range.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding sites and managing fisheries to ensure adequate food availability.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Kittiwakes along rocky coastlines, especially near breeding colonies
- Observe their distinctive flight pattern: light, buoyant with rapid wing beats
- Listen for their namesake call, a sharp 'kittee-wa-aaake'
- In the UK, visit coastal areas in Scotland, Northern England, or Wales for the best viewing opportunities
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include large gulls, skuas, and peregrine falcons, which target both eggs and chicks. Arctic foxes may prey on colonies nesting on low cliffs or islands.
Did You Know?
- Kittiwakes can drink saltwater thanks to special salt glands above their eyes that filter out excess salt.
- They are the most oceanic of all gull species, rarely seen inland except during severe storms.
- Kittiwakes can sleep while flying, alternating rest between brain hemispheres.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Rissa tridactyla (amended version of 2018 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22694497A155617539.
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