The Black-legged Kittiwake is a cliff-nesting gull of the North Atlantic and Pacific that spends most of its life on the open ocean, coming to land only to breed. Its name comes from its 'kitt-i-WAKE' call. It is the most abundant gull in the world. Colonies nest on sheer cliff faces where its specialized nesting behavior and webbed feet grip narrow ledges.
Habitat
Open ocean; breeds on sea cliffs
Diet
Small fish and marine invertebrates caught by plunge-diving
How common
Uncommon
Recent Black-legged Kittiwake sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Black-legged Kittiwake? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free