Red-legged Kittiwake

Identification

The red-legged kittiwake is a small gull, measuring 35–39 cm in length with a wingspan of 84–92 cm and weighing 325–510 g. As its name suggests, the most striking feature is its bright red legs, which distinguish it from its close relative, the black-legged kittiwake. Other distinguishing characteristics include a notably shorter bill, larger eyes, a larger and rounder head, and darker gray wings. The plumage is otherwise typical of kittiwakes, with white and gray coloring.

Juveniles are remarkably similar to adults and take three years to reach full maturity. A key difference from juvenile black-legged kittiwakes is the absence of the black tail band and distinctive "W" marking across the wings. Because occasional black-legged kittiwakes can develop reddish legs, observers reporting red-legged kittiwakes outside their normal range should note all distinguishing features, not solely the leg color, for the sighting to be accepted by bird recording authorities.

Range & Habitat

This is a highly localized subarctic Pacific species with a restricted breeding range of 192,000 km². Red-legged kittiwakes breed in the Pribilof Islands, Bogoslof Island, and Buldir Island in the Bering Sea off Alaska's coast, as well as at the Commander Islands in Russia. They are cliff-nesting seabirds, favoring narrow ledges on steep coastal cliffs during the breeding season.

Red-legged kittiwakes are migratory, spending winters at sea rather than at their breeding colonies. They overwinter in the northwestern Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Alaska, departing their breeding cliffs in September to begin their oceanic migration.

Behaviour & Diet

Red-legged kittiwakes are specialist feeders on small marine prey. Their diet consists primarily of lanternfish (Myctophidae), squid, and various invertebrates. Like all kittiwakes, they are highly adapted seabirds, catching their food while diving or surface-feeding in open ocean waters.

These birds exhibit strong site fidelity, returning annually to established cliff breeding colonies where they nest on narrow ledges. The breeding season is spent almost entirely at these colonies, before the birds disperse entirely to pelagic waters for the winter months.

Best Time & Places to See It

Red-legged kittiwakes are most reliably seen during the breeding season from spring through early September at their breeding colonies in the Pribilof Islands, Bogoslof Island, and Buldir Island in the Bering Sea, or at the Commander Islands in Russia. These remote locations require dedicated seabird-watching expeditions and are challenging to access, but offer the best opportunity for sightings.

During winter months, the species disperses across the northwestern Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Alaska, making them very difficult to locate and observe. Winter sightings away from breeding colonies are rare and unpredictable.

Photography Tips

Photographing red-legged kittiwakes requires reaching remote breeding colonies during the summer months. The birds' cliff-nesting habitat can present both compositional opportunities and logistical challenges. Focus on capturing the distinctive red legs, which are the species' most recognizable feature. Adequate telephoto lenses are essential, as approach distances to breeding birds should be respectful to minimize disturbance.

The subarctic breeding grounds often feature dramatic coastal scenery and changeable weather conditions. Photographers should be prepared for variable lighting and take advantage of the extended daylight hours typical of high northern latitudes during summer.