Kittiwake

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.

Breeding

On rocky, steep sea-cliffs, buildings and piers

Wintering

At sea

Passage

Around coasts; occasionally inland, most often after very windy weather

What does it eat?

Fish, shrimps and worms.

What does it sound like?

A loud 'kitti-waak'

When to see it

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.