Black-legged Kittiwake

Rissa tridactyla

The Black-legged Kittiwake is primarily a pelagic species, rarely spending time on land except during the breeding season.  They are generally rare migrants and winter visitors inland.  Kittiwakes are named after their loud, piercing call.

Habitat: Spends the majority of its life at sea, anywhere from the coastline to far out at sea.  Breeds on steep cliffs near the Arctic.

Diet: Primarily feeds on fish, but will also eat crustaceans, mollusks, marine worms, and insects. 

Behavior: Often forages while in flight, dipping down to the water's surface to grab fish and other prey.  They will also swim on the ocean's surface and grab food items.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota.

Song: A loud ki-ti-waaake

Migration: Summers in the extreme north around the Arctic.  Winters off both coasts of the U.S., generally well offshore. 

Similar Species: Sabine's Gull (winter plumage), Red-legged Kittiwake (not seen in South Dakota).

Conservation Status: Wide fluctuations in local populations, with some areas experiencing huge increases in numbers and others experiencing large decreases.

South Dakota Hotspot: A rarity, but most sightings have occurred below the Missouri River reservoir dams.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Black-legged Kittiwake

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Black-legged Kittiwake"

3) eNature.com: Black-legged Kittiwake

Photo Information: November 3rd, 2002 -- Below Gavin's Point dam near Yankton -- Terry L. Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Black-legged Kittiwake photos.