ScienceJuly 27, 2026
kittiwake
KIT-ee-wayk
Definition
A small gull with a graceful appearance, typically found in northern coastal regions, known for its distinctive loud, screeching call.
Etymology
The name is onomatopoeic, derived from the bird's characteristic, shrill call that sounds like 'kittee-wa-aa-ke' or 'kitti-aa'. It has been used in English to describe this specific seabird since at least the late 18th century.
In the news
The article uses 'kittiwake' to identify the specific species of seabird, the Black-legged kittiwake, being observed in a study about energy expenditure and breeding success. The bird serves as the primary subject for understanding trade-offs between parental effort and survival.
Black-legged kittiwakes with their chicks at Middleton Island, Alaska (IMAGE)
Read the full article ↗EurekAlert!