Species Profile

Kittiwake

Rissa tridactyla

Kittiwake

Quick Facts

Conservation

VUVulnerable

Lifespan

12–20 years

Length

37–41 cm

Weight

305–525 g

Wingspan

91–110 cm

Migration

Long-distance Migrant

A graceful seabird with striking black-tipped wings, often seen nesting on sheer coastal cliffs worldwide.

Also known as: Black-legged Kittiwake

Think you've spotted a Kittiwake?

Upload a photo and our AI will confirm it instantly

Confirm with a Photo

Gallery

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.

Identification & Characteristics

Colors

Primary: White
Secondary: Black
Beak: Yellow
Legs: Black

Attributes

Agility85/100

Strength60/100

Adaptability75/100

Aggression40/100

Endurance80/100

Understanding Attributes

Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Habitat & 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.

Distribution

Loading map...

Where to See This Bird

Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

Cornwall

East Riding of Yorkshire

Kent

Northumberland

North Yorkshire

Tyne and Wear

Suffolk

Get a personalised bird guide for your area

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.

Calls & Sounds

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

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.

VUVulnerable

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 14,600,000 - 15,700,000 individuals^[3]

Trend: Decreasing^[2]

Elevation

Sea level to 100 meters

Additional Details

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.

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

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.