Adults and Juveniles:
* Other Seabirds: Larger gulls, like Great Black-backed Gulls, are known to prey on kittiwake chicks and occasionally adults.
* Marine Mammals: Seals, particularly harbor seals, can be a threat, especially to chicks and young birds.
* Fish: Large fish like cod and halibut may occasionally snatch chicks from nests.
* Birds of Prey: Occasionally, falcons and other birds of prey will target kittiwakes, but this is less common than predation by other gulls.
Eggs:
* Other Seabirds: Gulls are the main predators of kittiwake eggs, with Great Black-backed Gulls being a particular threat.
* Mammals: Arctic foxes, rats, and weasels can be predators of eggs, especially on land-based colonies.
Chicks:
* Other Seabirds: Larger gulls, particularly Great Black-backed Gulls, are the primary predators of kittiwake chicks.
* Mammals: Arctic foxes, rats, and weasels can be predators of chicks, especially if they venture too far from the nest.
* Parasites: Various parasites can weaken chicks and make them more susceptible to other predators or disease.
Important Notes:
* Nest site: The most significant factor in predation is the location of the nest. Kittiwakes nesting on cliffs, especially those far from land, are less vulnerable to terrestrial predators.
* Colonial nesting: The large, dense colonies of kittiwakes provide some protection from predation, as the sheer number of birds makes it more difficult for predators to target individuals.
* Human impact: Human activities, such as fishing, oil spills, and habitat destruction, can indirectly impact kittiwake populations by reducing their prey base or making them more vulnerable to predation.
Let me know if you'd like more details on any particular predator or aspect of kittiwake ecology!