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Rare Seabird Spotted in Brazil for First Time, Puzzling Scientists
M
Moneycontrol•25-09-2026, 11:28
Rare Seabird Spotted in Brazil for First Time, Puzzling Scientists
- •A black-legged kittiwake, typically found in the North Atlantic, was officially recorded in Brazil for the first time off Rio Grande do Norte.
- •The sighting, documented on December 27, 2025, was published in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club, identifying the bird as an adult in non-breeding plumage.
- •Observers captured footage during a fishing trip, providing crucial evidence for researchers to confirm the species based on distinctive features.
- •Scientists consider the occurrence an extreme example of vagrancy, with possibilities including an extended migration or displacement by storms.
- •This unprecedented record adds Brazil to a short list of South American locations where this northern seabird has been documented, highlighting the potential for unexpected species far from their usual ranges.
Key Questions Answered
A black-legged kittiwake was officially recorded in Brazil for the first time after being spotted off the coast of Rio Grande on 27 December 2025.
Black-legged kittiwakes are typically seabirds of the northern oceans. During the winter, they are commonly found in the coastal waters of the North Atlantic, around the Azores, the North Sea, and the Bay of Biscay.
Scientists described the occurrence as an extreme case of vagrancy, suggesting the bird may have been an autumn migrant that travelled too far south, or was displaced by storms and strong weather systems.
