Taxonomy
Rissa tridactyla | Black-legged Kittiwake | Saidhbhéar
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
The Kittiwake is classified as
‘Vulnerable’ on a global scale, according to the last IUCN Red List assessment
in 2018. Additionally, the population trend continues to decline.
Species Biology
Identification
The Kittiwake is a small-medium
sized gull sporting a grey back, white underparts, dark eye and yellow bill.
It has black legs (hence the
name) and black wing tips that contrast with their mostly grey wings.
It stands at a height of 38-40 cm
with a wingspan of 95-110 cm and its weight ranges from 300-500 grams.
Diet
Being a marine bird, it mostly
feeds on marine invertebrates and fish either by hunting or through bycatch and
waste from commercial fishing activities.
Habitat
Most commonly seen on coastal
cliffs along the Irish coast during the summer months.
Reproduction
This species lays a clutch of two
eggs, each weighing approximately 50 grams and incubates them for 25-32 days.
The young will fledge after 33-54
days.
The typical life expectancy for a
wild Kittiwake is 12 years, with breeding beginning at around 4 years.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Summer visitor to Irish coastal
cliffs and headlands. Moves out towards open ocean during the winter months.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/black-legged-kittiwake/
The Royal
Society for the Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/kittiwake/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob6020.htm
IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22694497/155617539