The Black Legged Kittiwake is a small species of gull which can be seen around the sea cliffs of Pembrokeshire between May and August during their breeding season. Unlike larger gulls, Kittiwakes spend their time at sea or on sea cliffs and don’t wander inshore to scavenge food.
Pembrokeshire cliffs provide ideal nesting conditions for kittiwakes. Sheer rock faces offer narrow ledges where colonies can gather in large numbers.
Kittiwakes in Pembrokeshire
Kittiwakes build compact nests made from seaweed, grass, and mud, carefully balanced on precarious ledges. Both parents share responsibilities, taking turns incubating their eggs and later feeding their chicks. Their diet mainly consists of small fish such as sand eels, which they catch by diving into the sea. The waters surrounding Pembrokeshire are rich feeding grounds, making for a high density of Kittiwakes. Their diet mainly consists of small fish, especially sand eels, along with plankton and marine invertebrates. They feed by dipping or diving into the sea rather than scavenging.
Kittiwake statistics
Adult kittiwakes typically measure about 37–41 cm in length, with a wingspan of 90–105 cm. They have a white head and body, soft grey back, and black wing tips. Unlike many gulls, they have dark eyes with their bright yellow bill.They are fairly lightweight, usually weighing between 300 and 500 grams. This helps them remain agile fliers over long distances at sea. Kittiwakes can live for quite a long time for a seabird of their size. The average lifespan is around 10–15 years in the wild.
Despite being widespread, Kittiwake populations have declined in the UK due to climate change and reduced fish stocks from overfishing.
Come and stay at Galwad y mor and take a boat trip to see the Kittiwake and other sea birds around the dramatic Pembrokeshire cliffs.
