While our mountain retreat boasts a symphony of resident birdsong, a rare visitor sometimes graces our coastal shores with its presence – the Black-legged Kittiwake. This seafaring soul is more at home in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, but on occasion, it takes a detour to Costa Rica’s cooler waters, offering a fleeting glimpse of its elegant form.
A Coastal Charmer
The Black-legged Kittiwake is a medium-sized gull, measuring around 16-18 inches in length. Its plumage is a study in cool tones – a pale gray back and wings contrasting beautifully with its clean white underbelly. But the true eye-catchers are the jet-black wingtips, looking as though they’ve been dipped in ink.
A Life on the Ocean Wave
Unlike the resident birds you might encounter at our retreat, the Black-legged Kittiwake is a true pelagic bird. This means it spends most of its life soaring over the open ocean, only venturing onto land to breed. Skilled fliers, these gulls utilize their long, narrow wings to effortlessly ride the wind currents, sometimes performing impressive aerial acrobatics as they search for food.
Speaking of Food…
The Black-legged Kittiwake is an opportunistic feeder, feasting on a variety of marine life. Small fish, squid, and crustaceans are all on the menu. They’re adept at snatching prey from the water’s surface with a quick dip or plunge, similar to a tern. It’s a fascinating sight to witness, a testament to their remarkable hunting skills.
A Voice Like a Song (…Sort Of)
The Black-legged Kittiwake isn’t known for its melodious voice. Their call, aptly named the “kittiwake,” is a shrill “kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake,” a sound that often fills the air in their crowded breeding colonies. While not the most musical bird, it certainly adds to the lively atmosphere of these coastal gatherings.
A Glimpse of the North
Spotting a Black-legged Kittiwake in Costa Rica is a special treat. While more likely seen on the Pacific coast, particularly during the winter months (November to April), there have been rare sightings on the Caribbean side as well. If you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this visitor from the north, take a moment to appreciate its graceful flight and unique beauty – a reminder of the interconnectedness of our planet’s ecosystems.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled!
While not a guaranteed sight, with a bit of patience and a keen eye, you might just encounter this avian adventurer on your Costa Rican adventure. And remember, even a rare glimpse is a gift – a chance to witness a creature perfectly adapted to a different world, taking a temporary break in our mountain paradise.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
