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Psilos Bird Photography |
Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla |
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One of the prettiest of the UKs breeding
gulls. Known as the Blacked legged Kittiwake in North America this gull,
unlike other UK gulls, shows no white wing tips. During the breeding
season they can be found on rocky, steep sea-cliffs, buildings and piers.
In late summer and autumn it can be seen flying past offshore, or collecting
at roosts. It spends the winter months out at sea. Its declining population
is thought to be due to a decline in Sand eels. Its diet also consists
of fish, shrimps and worms. |
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They arrive back at the colonies from February,
staying until August. They lay 2-3 eggs and the chicks fledge at 33-54
days. |
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Where only one chick has survived it grows
alot faster than any of the nests with two chicks in. |
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The name Kittiwake derives from the call
the birds use when in courtship and bonding. |
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| Once the juveniles (photo below middle) have fledged they join the adults and can be seen on beaches during August before flying out to sea for the winter. |
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