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Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla)
Above and below: An adult Black-legged Kittiwake in Delaware waters on a December pelagic trip out of Lewes (12/11/2004).
Above and below: An immature Black-legged Kittiwake zips across our wake in Delaware waters (2/5/2011).
Comments: This attractive gull, named for its call of kittiwake, can be found off the Mid-Atlantic coast in winter. Outside of the nesting season, this gull spends most of its life over the open ocean. It dips to snatch food items from the surface of the water and drinks saltwater. It can often be seen hovering before dropping down on its prey.