Black-legged Kittiwake

The Black-legged Kittiwake is a species of seabird found throughout the North Pacific, including the coast of Alaska. These gulls are known for their distinctive calls, and are often spotted perched on cliffs or soaring over the ocean.

Black-legged Kittiwakes are small gulls, measuring around 16 inches in length with a wingspan of 35 inches. They have white bodies with gray wings and a distinctive black "M" shape on their wings. They are named for their call, which sounds like "kit-ti-wake."

Kittiwakes are pelagic, meaning they spend most of their lives at sea. They are highly adapted to life on the ocean, with webbed feet for swimming and waterproof feathers to stay dry. They primarily eat small fish, such as herring and capelin, which they catch by diving from the surface of the water.

In Alaska, Black-legged Kittiwakes can be found nesting on coastal cliffs and islands. They typically breed in large colonies, with some colonies numbering in the tens of thousands. Breeding pairs will lay one to two eggs per year, which hatch after about a month of incubation. In years when food is scarce, predation of eggs or young increases as both parents will spend more time hunting for food.

Kittiwakes are an important part of Alaska's marine ecosystem, serving as both predator and prey. They are also an important indicator species, with changes in their population providing valuable insights into the health of the surrounding marine environment.

Despite their adaptability to life on the ocean, black-legged kittiwakes are facing several threats in Alaska. Climate change is causing shifts in the distribution and abundance of their prey, which can impact their breeding success. Additionally, pollution and oil spills can have devastating effects on their populations.

Overall, black-legged kittiwakes are a key species of Alaska's coastal waters. Their distinctive calls and striking appearance make them a popular sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.