

Rissa tridactyla (Black-legged kittiwake, North America)
A gentle looking, medium-sized gull with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. It has a grey back and is white underneath. Its legs are short and black. In flight the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been 'dipped in ink'. The population is declining in some areas, perhaps due to a shortage of sandeels. After breeding birds move out into the Atlantic where they spend the winter.
On rocky, steep sea-cliffs, buildings and piers
At sea
Around coasts; occasionally inland, most often after very windy weather
Fish, shrimps and worms.
A loud 'kitti-waak'
The best time to see them is on the breeding grounds in spring and summer - they arrive back at the colonies from February, staying until August.
| Kittiwake Facts | |
| Eggs | Two - Three |
| Incubation | 25-32 Days |
| Fledging | 33-54 Days |
| Maximum lifespan | 28 Years |
| Length | 38-40 cm |