Red-legged kittiwake

Rissa brevirostris

The Red-legged kittiwake is a small seabird that breeds in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. It has a white body, gray wings, and distinctive red legs. During the breeding season, it congregates in large colonies on steep cliffs, nesting in crevices and on narrow ledges. This species is highly adapted to a life at sea, spending most of its time foraging over the open ocean, feeding on small fish and invertebrates. The Red-legged kittiwake is known for its high-pitched, nasal calls and agile flight. It faces threats from climate change, oil spills, and predation by introduced species.

Habitat: Open ocean, cliffs