Heermann's Gull vs Black-legged Kittiwake
Larus heermanni compared with Rissa tridactyla
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Heermann's Gull | Black-legged Kittiwake |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus heermanni | Rissa tridactyla |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Vulnerable |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 67.2 cm (26.5 in) | 60.2 cm (23.7 in) |
| Weight | 448.26666666666665 g (15.81 oz) | 439.3333333333333 g (15.50 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 1-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Heermann's Gull
Vulnerable
Black-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.
Black-legged Kittiwake
Black-legged Kittiwake, 38–40 cm, wingspan 91–105 cm, is the most abundant gull globally, with millions breeding on cliff ledges across the North Atlantic and Pacific. White body, grey mantle, solid black wing tips, yellow bill, black legs. Pelagic piscivore outside breeding. Vulnerable; declining.