Heermann's Gull vs Red-legged Kittiwake
Larus heermanni compared with Rissa brevirostris
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Heermann's Gull | Red-legged Kittiwake |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus heermanni | Rissa brevirostris |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Vulnerable |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 67.2 cm (26.5 in) | 60.0 cm (23.6 in) |
| Weight | 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) | 401.6666666666667 g (14.17 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 1-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
Vulnerable
Red-legged Kittiwake
About These Birds
Heermann's Gull
Heermann's Gull, 46–51 cm, is distinctive — dark grey body, white head (breeding), red bill. Breeds almost entirely on Isla Rasa in the Gulf of California, then disperses north along the Pacific coast to British Columbia. Kleptoparasite; steals fish from Brown Pelicans. Near Threatened; range highly restricted.
Red-legged Kittiwake
Red-legged Kittiwake, 35–39 cm, has a very restricted range on only four Aleutian and Pribilof Island colonies, with a world population under 200,000. Resembles Black-legged Kittiwake but with bright red legs, darker upperparts, and white underwing tips. Pelagic piscivore; Vulnerable and declining.