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Rissa

Rissa

9.9
A small seabird like a gull called a kittiwake
  • noun
  • Specialized
: Rissa
  • We spotted a Rissa nesting on the rocky ledge, eager to raise its chicks this season.

Examples

  • Look at Lacie and Rissa.

  • She was thrilled when she came back and went to bed chattering happily about her brother and Rissa.

    Blog text (32)
  • Joe, Kate, Ridge, Rissa, Cherish, Tawni, Slanders, TimeStep...

    Blog text (34)
  • During the summer, we watched a flock of Rissa diving for fish near the cliffs.

  • The Rissa are known for their distinct calls, which can be heard along the coastal waters.

Synonyms

kittiwake
vsRissa
  • UK
1 9.9

A small grey sea bird that nests on cliffs

is the scientific genus name for the same cliff nesting coastal gulls

Surface Forms

Rissa singular
Rissas plural

Etymology

Rissa likely comes from an old Scandinavian name for the bird we call the kittiwake, a 'seabird', so scientists used it as the scientific name for this group of gulls.