Photo: Lisa Hupp/USFWS · Alaska · U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service · Public Domain
Gulls & Terns
Red-legged Kittiwake
Rissa brevirostris
A regional specialty almost entirely confined to the Pribilof Islands, the Red-legged Kittiwake is distinguished from the closely related Black-legged Kittiwake by its vivid coral-red legs, shorter bill, larger eyes, darker mantle, and white underwings. One of the most localized seabirds in North America.
Where to look
St. George Island hosts the vast majority of the world's breeding population (~80%). St. Paul Island also has a colony. Rarely seen away from the Pribilofs except during post-breeding dispersal.
Habitat
Open Bering Sea for foraging; nests on cliff ledges on Pribilof Islands.
Diet
Fish (particularly lanternfish) and squid, often caught by pursuit-diving.
Natural history note
Red-legged Kittiwakes have proportionally the largest eyes of any gull, thought to be an adaptation for foraging at depth in low-light conditions.