Non-Breeding Birds Distribution Map

Red-legged Kittiwake (Rissa brevirostris)

The Washington Gap Analysis Project created breeding bird maps only. The non-breeding birds (e.g., wintering, pelagic (coastal), and birds expanding their ranges) are represented only by NatureMapping sightings.

The Washington Gap Analysis Project could not find any historical research records (i.e., Breeding Bird Atlas, Breeding Bird Survey, Bird Banding and Recovery) for 73 species of birds. The Red-legged Kittiwake is one of the species.

NatureMapping observations reported by townships throughout the year.

Species Distribution Information

This Kittiwake winters at sea and is very rare away from breeding grounds. It nests in cliff colonies on ledges of Komandorski and Pribiloff Islands. This species is casual off/along the Pacific Coast of Washington. Most sightings have occurred in winter (December-March). There have been rare Audubon sightings in summer. One bird stayed for a week at Tatoosh Island, and another was seen on a Westport pelagic trip in mid-August.