On Middleton Island a number of Glaucous-winged
Gulls (Larus glaucescens) has specialized in taking alternative prey items. Some
gulls out there are known to catch and eat young European feral Rabbits (Oryctolagus
cuniculus) which were introduced to the island in 1954 (Roberts 1985; O'Farrell
1965). These two videos show how some Glaucous-winged Gulls try to catch a
fledged Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) chick and eat ripe
Salmonberries (Rubus spectabilis) respectively. Further information can be
found below the video on their individual Youtube pages.
It seems obvious that due to the island’s remote
location the large Glaucous-winged Gull population has only limited access to
terrestrial food items. Food shortage will therefore stimulate these birds more
to explore new dietary items on the island. I am certain that there will be several
more remarkable prey types utilized by them, and would very much appreciate it
when visitors would inform me when they detect this.
O'Farrell, T.P. 1965. The Rabbits of Middleton
Island, Alaska. Journal of Mammalogy, Vol. 46, No. 3, pp. 525-527
Roberts, B. 1985. Glaucous-winged Gulls prey on
feral rabbits on Middleton Island, Alaska. Murrelet 66:24.
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