ATLANTIC KITTIWAKE Meaning and
Definition
-
The Atlantic kittiwake, scientifically known as Rissa tridactyla, is a small to medium-sized seabird belonging to the gull family Laridae. This species is commonly found in the North Atlantic Ocean, particularly in coastal areas and cliffs of Europe, North America, and Greenland.
The Atlantic kittiwake is easily recognized by its distinct appearance, featuring a white body, gray wings, and a black eye stripe. It measures approximately 38-43 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of around 90-100 centimeters. One of the notable physical traits of this bird is its three long, slender toes, hence its scientific name "tridactyla," which means "three-toed." These toes are well-adapted for perching and navigating the rocky cliffs that this species commonly nests upon.
These birds are highly social and form large colonies during breeding seasons, which typically occur from spring to early summer. They build nests on narrow cliff ledges, using grass, moss, and seaweed. Atlantic kittiwakes are known for their distinctive, high-pitched call, resembling the syllables "kittee-wa-aaake," hence the common name "kittiwake."
The Atlantic kittiwake predominantly feeds on small fish, such as sandeel, herring, and sprat, which it catches by diving into the water from the air. It is an agile flyer and can hover over the ocean's surface while searching for prey. However, this species also consumes marine invertebrates and occasionally scavenges on carrion.
In recent years, the population of Atlantic kittiwakes has faced some decline due to various factors, including habitat loss, climate change, and human disturbances. They are protected under several conservation acts to ensure their
Common Misspellings for ATLANTIC KITTIWAKE
- ztlantic kittiwake
- stlantic kittiwake
- wtlantic kittiwake
- qtlantic kittiwake
- arlantic kittiwake
- aflantic kittiwake
- aglantic kittiwake
- aylantic kittiwake
- a6lantic kittiwake
- a5lantic kittiwake
- atkantic kittiwake
- atpantic kittiwake
- atoantic kittiwake
- atlzntic kittiwake
- atlsntic kittiwake
- atlwntic kittiwake
- atlqntic kittiwake
- atlabtic kittiwake
- atlamtic kittiwake
- atlajtic kittiwake
Etymology of ATLANTIC KITTIWAKE
The word "Atlantic kittiwake" has a straightforward etymology.
Firstly, "Atlantic" refers to the Atlantic Ocean, which is the second-largest ocean in the world and lies between the Western Hemisphere and the Eastern Hemisphere. The name "Atlantic" originates from the Latin term "Atlanticus", which is derived from the mythological Greek god Atlas, condemned by Zeus to bear the weight of the heavens on his shoulders. The Atlantic Ocean was named after him due to its vast expanse.
Secondly, "kittiwake" is the common name for a species of seabird belonging to the gull family, Laridae. Kittiwakes are small to medium-sized birds with a white body, grey wings, and a yellow beak. They inhabit coastal regions and nests in colonies on cliffs and rocky outcrops.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
