kittiwake
Rissa tridactyla

Key facts

Totally maritime gull a bit larger than a black-headed gull

Habitat: sea and cliffs

Resident in UK, breeding on most coasts but not in Essex

Recognition

Grey and white upperparts, yellow bill and black legs

Spends most of the time at sea; when breeding forms dense colonies

Eats fish

Lifecycle

Nest is a neat cup of seaweed on cliff ledge

1 Brood May to June; 2 eggs creamy, speckled brown

kittiwake
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