adult summer

adult summer adult winter European distribution Adults at nest

Identification

With its immaculate grey and white plumage and delicate features the Kittiwake is one of the prettiest European gulls. It is most similar to the Common Gull but is even smaller, about the size of a Black-headed Gull, with black feet and a lemon-yellow bill. Most importantly there are no white spots in the wing-tips which characteristically look as if they've been dipped in black ink. Even if you can't clearly see the wing-tips, the inner wing is obviously darker than the very pale outer wing making this species recognisable at great distances. The juvenile has a black zig-zag on the wing and a black half-collar around the back of its neck.

Habitat

Breeds on rocky islands, cliffs and occasionally on coastal buildings. Winters at sea and around coastal waters.

Behaviour

Studies have shown that the birds in the centre of Kittiwake colonies tend to be established pairs which have been together for several years. These are generally more successful at rearing young than 'newly-wed' couples. One reason for this is that, in an established pair, the nest guarding duties are shared more evenly and so both adults are able to feed well without neglecting their chicks. In 'newly-weds' however, the nest is more likely to be left unattended because one of the pair rarely turns up.

Migration

Although not truly a migratory bird, the Kittiwake undergoes extensive dispersal all across the North Atlantic reaching as far as North America during winter.

This information is taken from the BirdFile on the appropriate BirdGuides DVD-ROM. As well as video and sounds, our CD- and DVD-ROMs contain additional text on Voice, Sexing, Ageing, Food, Nests and Eggs and more.

For the purposes of our bird news services, Kittiwake is classed as Local: generally fairly regular or common species that a 'county lister' or a birding beginner might be interested in going to see. (Note that rarity levels are currently applied nationally and may not reflect local variations in abundance.)

Seahouses, Northumbs 18/07/2010	Fowlsheugh RSPB, Aberdeenshire 25/07/2010	Bempton Cliffs, E Yorks 07/07/2010	Bempton Cliffs, E Yorks 14/07/2010	Bempton Cliffs, E Yorks 14/07/2010
Bempton Cliffs, E Yorks 10/07/2010	Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumbs 10/07/2010	Bempton Cliffs, E Yorks 03/07/2010	St Abbs Hd, Borders 07/07/2010	Bempton Cliffs, E Yorks 03/07/2010

 View all pictures of Kittiwake

Kittiwake breeds in the following countries (Bird News Extra subscribers will see population statistics and information on trends for each country):

Britain
Denmark
Faroe Islands
France
Germany
Greenland
Iceland
Ireland
Netherlands
Norway
Russia
Spain
Svalbard
Sweden

http://blx1.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob6020.htm   BTO BirdFacts: Kittiwake	Edit this link
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