ANTIPREDATOR BENEFITS OF NEST-SITE SELECTION IN BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES

We investigated the relationship between nest-site characteristics and breeding performance of Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) on Great Island, Newfoundland, during 2 years of extreme predation press ure. The nest-site feature most consistently associated with egg and c hick survival was rock overhang above the nest. The presence of rock p rojections beside nests was positively correlated with success in 1993 , and rock protrusions below the nest were not associated with breedin g success in either year. Central position in the colony was positivel y correlated and nest density negatively correlated with success in 19 92. Consistent differences in chick production among colony regions re flected differences in large-scale cliff structure and predator access ibility. This study implicates large- and fine-scale aspects of nest-s ite selection by Black-legged Kittiwakes, with large-scale cliff struc ture being the most important.