Red-legged Kittiwake vs Sabine's Gull

In short

The Red-legged Kittiwake and Sabine's Gull are distinct in several ways, with the most reliable field mark being the red legs of the Red-legged Kittiwake compared to the black legs of Sabine's Gull. Sabine's Gull also has a unique black bill with a yellow tip and a notched tail, unlike the Red-legged Kittiwake.

Identification tips

1. Look for red legs on the Red-legged Kittiwake versus black legs on Sabine's Gull. 2. Note the black bill with a yellow tip and notched tail of Sabine's Gull. 3. Observe the tri-colored wings of Sabine's Gull in flight. 4. Consider habitat: Red-legged Kittiwake is more coastal, while Sabine's Gull is often pelagic outside breeding season.

Size

Both species are small gulls, but the Red-legged Kittiwake is generally more robust compared to the more delicate Sabine's Gull.

Plumage

Red-legged Kittiwake has a clean white head and body with a gray back, while Sabine's Gull is notable for its striking tri-colored wings (gray, white, and black) and a distinctive black hood during breeding season.

Behaviour

Sabine's Gull exhibits behaviors more akin to shorebirds and terns, such as distraction displays and feeding on mudflats, while the Red-legged Kittiwake behaves more like a typical gull.

Habitat

Red-legged Kittiwake is typically found in the Bering Sea region, often nesting on cliffs, whereas Sabine's Gull breeds in the Arctic and is often seen in open ocean during migration.

Voice

Vocalizations are not well-documented for field differentiation, but Sabine's Gull has calls more similar to terns.