About the Black-legged Kittiwake

Black-legged Kittiwakes are small gulls with a white body, grey back, and black wingtips. They are known for their loud cries, which sound like 'kitti-wake.'

They are widespread where they breed and can be easily observed on their nesting cliffs.

Main threats include pollution, especially from oil and plastics, and overfishing, reducing their food sources.

Changes in sea temperature and fish populations affect their breeding success and food availability.

Where to see Black-legged Kittiwakes

They breed on ledges of cliffs across the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, from the coasts of North America and Europe up to the Arctic.

Interesting facts about Black-legged Kittiwakes

Unlike most gulls, Black-legged Kittiwakes are exclusively cliff-nesting birds and rarely come to ground, spending most of their life at sea.

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