Kittiwake

🔍 Overview

A delicate, cliff-loving gull, the Kittiwake may be seen from Sussex headlands during passage or following ships. Common but very localised breeding species; fairly common or common winter visitor and passage migrant. Rare away from coast.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Medium (37–40 cm)
Plumage: White with grey wings and dark wingtips
Distinctive Marks: Thin, forked tail
Bill: Slender and yellow
Tail: Deeply forked
Flight: Graceful, buoyant

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Seen offshore in spring/autumn from Goring Gap, Brighton Marina, and Worthing Beaches.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Melodic “kitti-waake” calls. Follows fishing boats or drift fish.

🍴 Diet

Fish and marine invertebrates.

📸 Birding Tip

Bring a scope and scan the sea horizon, especially on calm offshore days.