The bird that looks most similar to a seagull but is not actually a seagull is the kittiwake. Kittiwakes are a type of small gull that inhabit coastal areas and have some key physical differences from true seagulls, even though they appear very similar at first glance. In this article, we will go over the characteristics of kittiwakes, how to identify them, and how they differ from true seagulls.
What is a Kittiwake?
The kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) is a small gull that is closely related to seagulls. However, kittiwakes are classified in their own genus Rissa, separate from true seagulls which are in the genus Larus.
Some key facts about kittiwakes:
- Kittiwakes get their name from their distinct call which sounds like “kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake.”
- They are found along coasts in the northern hemisphere including North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Kittiwakes build mound-shaped mud nests on vertical cliff faces.
- They mainly eat small fish and marine invertebrates.
- Kittiwakes have dark gray wings with a pale gray back and head and black wingtips.
- Their legs and bill are black.
So in summary, the kittiwake is a coastal cliff-nesting gull that is closely related to true seagulls but has some distinct natural history characteristics. Next, we’ll go over exactly how to tell kittiwakes and seagulls apart.
Distinguishing Kittiwakes from Seagulls
Even though kittiwakes look very gull-like at first glance, a birder can notice some key differences from true seagulls:
Size and Proportions
Kittiwakes are smaller, more delicate and slender than most seagulls. They have a small rounded head compared to their body size. Seagulls tend to look bulkier and have larger, blockier heads.
Legs
Kittiwake legs are short and black. Seagulls have yellow or flesh-colored legs that are a bit longer compared to their body size.
Bill
The kittiwake’s bill is relatively short and thin compared to seagulls. Seagulls tend to have stouter bills.
Wings
The wings of a kittiwake are more narrow and pointed than a seagull. When soaring, the kittiwake holds their wings in a shallow ‘M’ shape compared to the straight out wing position of gulls.
Plumage
While both kittiwakes and seagulls are shades of gray and white, the specific plumage pattern differs. Kittiwakes have a pale gray back and white undersides. Their wings are dark gray with a black wingtip and a small black spot at the tip of the tail. Seagulls show more variation but generally have white heads, darker gray backs, and black wingtips with no tail spot.
Behavior
Kittiwakes are more aerial andgraceful fliers compared to heavier-flying seagulls. At their cliffside nest sites, kittiwakes tend to be noisy and gregarious, while seagulls are solitary nesters.
So in flight or at the colony, behavior can be another clue to tell these coastal birds apart.
Examples of True Seagulls
To highlight the differences, here are some of the true seagull species that kittiwakes could be confused with:
Herring Gull
The most common seagull in North America. Identifiable by their large size, pale gray back, pink legs, and yellow bill with red spot.
Ring-billed Gull
Smaller and daintier with a black ring around the bill base. Pale gray back and yellow legs.
California Gull
Medium-sized with gray wings and bold black and white markings on head. Yellow bill and legs.
Glaucous-winged Gull
Large and white-headed with pale gray back. Pink legs and yellow bill with red spot.
Iceland Gull
A white-winged gull with pale gray back. Pink legs and yellow/green bill.
So in summary, there are many true North American seagull species that could be confused with kittiwakes due to similarities in coastal habitat, diet, and family relationship. Checking the field marks for size, plumage, bill and legs will help correctly differentiate kittiwakes though.
Where to See Kittiwakes
Here are some of the best places in North America to spot kittiwakes in their natural cliffside habitat:
- Cape St. Elias, Alaska
- St. George Island, Alaska
- Bonaventure Island, Quebec
- Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, Newfoundland
- Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick
- Round Island, Alaska
Kittiwakes can also sometimes be seen inland near large lakes or rivers along their migration routes. But the nesting colonies on vertical sea cliffs are the most reliable spots to admire these elegant relatives of gulls.
Kittiwake Conservation Status
Kittiwake populations have been declining in parts of their range due to threats like habitat loss, lack of food, pollution, and climate change. They are listed as a Species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List but some regional populations are endangered. Maintaining suitable nesting habitat and prey fish populations are key conservation priorities to protect kittiwakes into the future.
Here is a table summarizing the comparison between kittiwakes and seagulls:
| Trait | Kittiwake | Seagull |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small and slender | Larger and bulkier |
| Legs | Short and black | Yellow or pink, longer |
| Bill | Short and thin | Stouter bill |
| Wings | Long, pointed, narrow | Broader, blunter |
| Plumage | Pale gray back, black wingtips | Variable back color, black wingtips |
| Behavior | Aerial, graceful flight. Noisy colonies. | Heavier flight. Solitary nesters. |
Conclusion
In summary, the kittiwake is a coastal cliff-nesting gull that is most similar to seagulls in appearance and habitat out of all bird species. However, upon closer inspection kittiwakes can be identified by their smaller size, short black legs, thin bill, narrow pointed wings, and distinctive plumage pattern. Being able to distinguish kittiwakes from true seagulls takes practice but awareness of the key field marks makes identification much easier. Kittiwakes play an important role as marine predators and monitoring their populations can indicate the health of coastal ecosystems. Whether spotted along a clifftop or soaring over the waves, kittiwakes remain a challenge for birdwatchers who enjoy unraveling their similarity to the ubiquitous seagull.
