Species profile
About this species
The Black-legged Kittiwake is a medium-sized gull found across the North Atlantic & North Pacific oceans. It is characterised by its clean white & grey plumage, yellow bill, black wingtips, & distinctive black legs. Known for its cliff-nesting colonies, it spends much of its life at sea & returns to land only to breed.
Rocky coastal cliffs, offshore waters, & open ocean. Breeds in dense colonies on narrow cliff ledges along coastlines of the North Atlantic & North Pacific, & winters far out at sea.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Black-legged Kittiwake with us in Iceland & Norway.
These departures are part of our Europe programme.
In the field, Alison Jenkins & Robin Lowry helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Late spring to early summer, particularly May to July, when birds are active at breeding colonies. Early morning light provides the best conditions for photographing birds in flight & at the nest.
Position yourself at eye level with nesting birds on cliff edges to capture intimate portraits & natural behaviour. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/2000s to freeze wing movement during flight shots over the colony. A telephoto lens of 400mm or longer will allow you to photograph birds without disturbing the nesting site.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Black-legged Kittiwake
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.