Kittiwake
Rissa tridactyla
Overview
The Kittiwake is a graceful oceanic gull named for its call ('kitt-i-waake'). Unlike the large, aggressive gulls of seaside towns, it's a true seabird — compact, buoyant and beautiful at sea. The UK breeding population has crashed — down 70% since the 1970s — largely due to sandeels declining as the sea warms. Any trip to the Sefton Coast beach in autumn or winter should include a scan for Kittiwakes offshore. Juveniles in their first year have distinctive black W-markings on the wings.
At a Glance
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Habitat | Open sea · Offshore |
| Diet | Fish, crustaceans — catches prey by plunge diving and surface seizing |
| UK population | Around 380,000 pairs — red-listed due to very severe decline in recent decades |
| Sefton Coast | Regular offshore; occasional in numbers during autumn passage |
| Conservation | UK Red List |
Where to See It
Offshore from Formby Point and Ainsdale beach. Sometimes visible from the dune top.
Identification
Medium gull. Adults: white with pale grey back, solid black wingtips (like they've been dipped in ink, no white mirrors). Yellow bill, dark eye. Juvenile: black 'W' across wings, black tail band, dark neck collar.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Include a scan offshore during any visit. Kittiwakes have a more buoyant, tern-like flight than large gulls. The clean, cut-off black wingtips are distinctive.
Conservation Status
UK Red List
This species is on the UK Red List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating serious concern about its population decline or unfavourable conservation status. Monitoring this species on the Sefton Coast contributes to national population tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Kittiwakes declining?
Kittiwakes feed primarily on sandeels, and the North Sea sandeel population has collapsed as sea temperatures rise, forcing fish to move northward and deeper. Breeding Kittiwakes cannot reach their food and chick survival has plummeted at most UK colonies. This is one of the clearest examples of climate change driving wildlife decline.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.