Red-legged Kittiwake
NameRed-legged Kittiwake
Common NameRed-legged Kittiwake
Scientific NameRissa brevirostris
FamilyLaridae
Wingspan (cm)88
Length (cm)37
Weight (g)350
Plumage DetailsAdults have a pure white head, neck, underparts, and tail. The back and upperwings are dark grey, contrasting with black primary wingtips that lack the extensive white mirrors seen in other kittiwakes. The bill is short and yellow, and the legs are bright coral red.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, high-pitched 'kitti-waak' or 'klee-a-wak', often described as more nasal and higher-pitched than the Black-legged Kittiwake.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeBreeds on remote islands in the Bering Sea, primarily the Pribilof Islands and Commander Islands, and winters in the North Pacific.
Identifying Featuresbright red legs, dark eyes, short yellow bill, dark grey back and upperwings, black wingtips without white mirrors
Description
A small, distinctive gull of the North Pacific, characterized by its bright coral-red legs and dark eyes. This pelagic species spends most of its life at sea, returning to remote islands to breed in large, dense colonies on cliff ledges.
