Kittiwake
VulnerableRissa tridactyla
Visual Identification
Kittiwake
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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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.
Lifespan
years
The Kittiwake typically lives for 12 to 20 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
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
Other names:
Black-legged Kittiwake
Family:
LaridaePredators
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.
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References
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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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