Black-Legged Kittiwakes - Tarr Inlet

Look for black-legged kittiwakes perched on ice, cliffs, or flying above.

NPS Photo

Black-legged kittiwakes, Rissa tridactyla ~ Black-legged kittiwakes nest on the shear vertical cliffs to the left of the beautiful face of the Margerie Glacier. They have crisp white plumage, gray wings tipped in black, black legs, and bright yellow bill. These small gulls use moss and grass to build their nests on this cliff face, finding it a perfect place to raise their chicks. Parents make their living by being able to catch the copious amount of fish, shrimp and krill that are knocked senseless and brought to the surface with each plummeting slice of the glacier falls into the ocean, snapping up a smorgasbord for themselves and their hungry chicks.

Read more about Glacier Bay's Birds

*Location note: The location chosen for black-legged kittiwakes is for illustrative purposes only. Black-legged kittiwakes have been known to nest on the cliffs near Margerie Glacier, but they can be found throughout Glacier Bay! Stay wildlife aware, and never approach wild animals.