ExploreBirds

Black-legged Kittiwake

Rissa tridactyla

The Black-legged Kittiwake is a small, cheerful seabird that loves to live near the ocean. With its white body and black legs, it can often be seen flying over the waves or resting on rocky cliffs.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Black-legged Kittiwake is a medium-sized gull with a bright white head and body, a grey back, and striking black wingtips that look 'dipped in ink'. Its legs are jet black, contrasting with its small yellow bill. This sets it apart from many paler-legged gulls.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusRissa
Black-legged Kittiwake
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Black-legged Kittiwake

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby kittiwakes have a cool black 'W' shape across their wings when they're young.

Kittiwakes 'cry out' excess salt from seawater using special glands above their eyes!

Kittiwakes spend winters far at sea, sometimes not touching land for 7-8 months!

They have a small, almost absent hind toe, making their feet look quite different!

Special abilities

Ability

Cliff Master

Black-legged Kittiwake can build sturdy nests on narrow cliff ledges because of their strong grip, keeping eggs safe from predators.

Ability

Ocean Roamer

Black-legged Kittiwake has special glands that help them drink seawater, allowing them to live far out in the vast ocean.

Ability

Diving Dynamo

Black-legged Kittiwake can swiftly dive from the air into the water to catch fish, thanks to their quick wings and keen eyesight.

Ability

Weather Warrior

Black-legged Kittiwake has waterproof feathers that help them stay dry and warm even in stormy ocean weather.

Measurements & details

Length
37-41 cm
Wingspan
91-105 cm
Weight
0.3-0.525 kg
Lifespan
15-20 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
1-3
Incubation
24-28 days
Migration Distance
10000 km

Diet & Feeding

These ocean birds mostly eat small fish and tiny marine creatures found near the surface.

Primary Foods

  • Sand eels
  • Capelin
  • Herring
  • Cod fry
  • Krill
  • Squid

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

Capelin

Mallotus villosus

A key fish in their ocean diet.

eaten by

Sandeel

Ammodytes marinus

A favorite small fish snack.

eats

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus

Might steal eggs or chicks.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch or feed them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Black-legged Kittiwake?

37-41 cm

What is Black-legged Kittiwake's wingspan?

91-105 cm

How much does Black-legged Kittiwake weigh?

0.3-0.525 kg

How long does Black-legged Kittiwake live?

15-20 years

How fast can Black-legged Kittiwake move?

60 km/h

What does Black-legged Kittiwake eat?

These ocean birds mostly eat small fish and tiny marine creatures found near the surface.

Where is Black-legged Kittiwake usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Black-legged Kittiwake hunt?

Pursuit

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