UK Wildlife

Kittiwake Cliff Nesting Decline

The kittiwake is a truly oceanic gull that nests in dense colonies on coastal cliffs and returns to open ocean in winter, but has declined dramatically with changes in North Sea fisheries.

Key Facts

Kittiwake is one of the most strictly marine gulls, rarely coming inland
UK breeding population declined by over 70% since the 1970s, now fewer than 380,000 pairs
Nests on narrow cliff ledges in densely packed colonies
Young kittiwakes named from their distinctive 'kitti-wa-ake' call
North Sea sandeel population changes have devastated breeding success at many colonies

Welfare Considerations

Kittiwake declines are among the starkest indicators of climate-driven changes in North Sea ecosystems. Sandeel shifts northward following warming waters have removed the food supply near breeding colonies. This is a wildlife emergency driven by climate change and fishing.

What You Can Do

Support climate action to slow ocean warming that is destroying kittiwake food supplies
Advocate for sustainable sandeel management in the North Sea
Visit seabird colonies to see kittiwakes and support reserve management