Probably the most abundant of all gulls, this circumpolar species is truly a "sea-gull" for it spends all it life on the oceans. It comes ashore only to nest on coastal cliffs. In North America it nests in Alaska, on Canada's more northern high Arctic Islands, on Nova Scotia, along Quebec's Gulf of St. Lawrence and all around Newfoundland. At least seven appearances have been made in Alberta.
The first Alberta record is of a specimen from northwest Calgary obtained on 13 November 1976. One was sighted at Beaverhill Lake on 17 July 1977. Another specimen was from Wabamun Lake on 25 December 1979. The fourth record was of one photographed on 06 June 1982 at nearby Bruce Lake. One was at Jasper on 19 July 1984. The most recent records are of a sick and dying bird found on the road east of Shepard on Calgary's eastern outskirts on 11 August, 1999 and at Forestlung on 23 December 2001.
Although they follow fishing boats and gather at piers to pick up refuse, they are fishers, not scavengers. They dive for their food. The main food items are small fish and krill.
Nesting is in colonies, often very large, sited on ledges of coastal cliffs, occasionally on buildings. The actual nest is a well-made cup composed of seaweed, grass, moss and mud. The usual two eggs are incubated by both sexes, variously reported for 21 to 30 days. The young leave the nest when between 35 and 55 days of age.
Talk about Black-legged Kittiwakes on our moderated
message board. Get answers and share images. We are Alberta's largest and friendliest
online community of nature enthusiasts. Beginners and experts are
welcome. We are non-profit, non-commercial, ad free and spam free.
Where to find Black-legged Kittiwakes in Alberta
This species does not occur in the Weaselhead/Glenmore Park area. Brent Johner
Please Report the Black-legged Kittiwakes You See in Alberta
Our readers are always interested in hearing about the wildlife you see in Alberta.
BRENT JOHNER
for serving as the society's PAST PRESIDENT this year
ROSEMARIE FOLEY
for serving 7 consecutive years on the society's Board