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There are two species of Kittiwake the Red-legged Kittiwake and the Black-legged Kittiwake. In Iceland we only have the Black-legged species so they are just called kittiwake. They nest on ledges of cliffs and rocky islands with usually a variety of other seabird species. Juveniles are recognizable by the black W pattern on their upperwings and black band on the tail tip, which disappears in their first summer.
| Average Length: | 39 cm |
| Average Weight: | 410 g |
| Wingspan: | 108 cm |
| Diet: | Crustaceans, sandeels, capelin, herring |
| Est. population around Iceland: | ~ 630,000 pairs |
| Residence Period: | All year round |
| Nesting habitat: | Cliffs and rocky Islands |
| Nesting Period: | Late May to Early July |
| Clutch size (No eggs): | 2 |
| Incubation time (days): | 25-32 |
| Fledging time: | 33-54 |
| Typical life span (years): | 20 |
| Age at first breeding (years): | 4 |
| IUCN world Status: | Least concern |
| Major Threats: | Climate change, over fishing, pollution, hunting |
| Other Names: | Rita, Pikkukajava, Ride, Dreizehenmöwe, Gabbianotridattilo, Mewatrójpalczasta, Gaviotatridáctila, Drieteenmeeuw, Mouettetridactyle, Háromujjúcsüllö, Krykkje, Gaivota-tridáctila, Tretåigmås |