Mountain chickadees are small songbirds that live in mountainous regions of western North America. Despite their small size, mountain chickadees face threats from a variety of predators. Understanding the predators that target mountain chickadees can help us better protect these birds.
Birds of Prey
Birds of prey are a major predator of mountain chickadees. Birds of prey that prey on mountain chickadees include:
- Sharp-shinned hawks
- Cooper’s hawks
- Northern goshawks
- Merlins
- Great horned owls
- Northern pygmy owls
- Northern saw-whet owls
These raptors hunt by stealth, using speed and surprise to catch mountain chickadees. Sharp-shinned hawks and Cooper’s hawks are small, agile accipiters that specialize in catching small bird prey, while the larger goshawks and great horned owls also take mammals and larger prey. Merlins are small falcons that use speed to catch birds. The three owl species fill the niche of nocturnal raptor predators.
Hunting Strategies
Birds of prey employ various techniques to hunt mountain chickadees:
- Perch-hunting – Hawks and owls will perch inconspicuously and ambush chickadees as they go by.
- Quick dives – Merlins stoop from high altitudes at speeds up to 200 mph to surprise chickadees.
- Stealth flight – Sharp-shinned hawks fly low through dense vegetation to surprise prey.
- Cavity ambush – Saw-whet and pygmy owls can extract chickadees from tree cavities.
These predators are well-adapted for catching small, nimble songbirds like the mountain chickadee. Their stealthiness and speed make chickadees vulnerable despite vigilance, flocking, and use of cover.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Some reptiles and amphibians also opportunistically prey on mountain chickadees, especially eggs and nestlings. These include:
- Garter snakes
- Racer snakes
- Gopher snakes
- Western terrestrial garter snakes
- Common gartersnakes
Snakes are able to climb trees and raid nests for eggs and nestlings. Their keen sense of smell allows them to locate nest sites. Adults are occasionally taken when they are brooding. The abundance of gartersnakes makes them the most likely nest predators.
Avoiding Predation
Mountain chickadees have some adaptations that help protect against reptile and amphibian predation:
- Nesting in cavities – This limits access compared to open-cup nests.
- Lining nests with hair – Irritates sensitive membranes of reptiles.
- Mobbing snakes – Group defense helps drive away snakes.
However, cavities and mobbing provide only limited protection. Reptiles and amphibians remain a threat, especially to eggs and nestlings.
Mammals
Mammalian predators of mountain chickadees include:
- Chipmunks
- Red squirrels
- Weasels
- Martens
- Raccoons
- House cats
Small mammals like chipmunks, squirrels, and weasels may raid nests for eggs and nestlings. Their sharp claws allow them to access cavity nests, and some are small enough to enter the cavities. Larger mammals like raccoons can also extract adults, eggs, and nestlings from cavity nests.
Domestic cats are estimated to kill over 2 billion birds per year in the U.S. alone. While not native to mountain chickadee habitat, house cats certainly pose a major predation threat near human habitations.
Anti-Predator Strategies
Mountain chickadees have some adaptations to help avoid mammalian predation:
- Mobbing – Loud alarm calls summon other chickadees to harass predators.
- Flocking – Staying in mixed flocks provides safety in numbers.
- Cavity nesting – Cavities offer protection compared to open nests.
- Concealed nests – Disguised nest entrances help hide nests.
However, keen-sensed mammals utilizing stealth, agility, speed, and persistence remain dangerous predators, especially of eggs and nestlings.
Other Threats
Beyond direct predation, mountain chickadees face other threats from humans and habitat degradation:
- Habitat loss – Logging, development, and fires reduce needed coniferous forest habitat.
- Climate change – Warming temps and drought may shift suitable habitat higher in elevation.
- Pesticides – Can reduce insect prey and cause secondary poisoning.
- West Nile Virus – Mosquito-borne disease potentially deadly to chickadees.
- House sparrows – Aggressive invasives compete for nest cavities.
While less direct than predation, these threats collectively endanger mountain chickadee populations. Habitat protection and stewardship are vital for the future of this species.
Key Takeaways
To summarize the main predators and threats facing mountain chickadees:
- Birds of prey are the main natural predator, especially accipiters and small owls.
- Snakes, especially gartersnakes, prey on eggs and nestlings.
- Small mammals like chipmunks and weasels raid nests.
- Domestic cats are a major introduced predator near human habitation.
- Habitat loss, climate change, pesticides, disease, and invasive competitors also threaten chickadees.
A diversity of predation pressures across the mountain chickadee’s range and life stages makes protection challenging. Maintaining adequate habitat and reducing anthropogenic threats are key conservation priorities for the species. Continuing research and monitoring of predator-prey dynamics will also help inform management efforts.
Conclusion
Mountain chickadees are preyed upon by a variety of natural predators including raptors, reptiles, and mammals. They employ strategies like cavity nesting, flocking, and mobbing to help avoid predation, but remain vulnerable especially during nesting season. Beyond direct predation, mountain chickadees also face threats from human impacts like habitat loss, climate change, and introduced species. A focus on habitat conservation and reducing anthropogenic impacts will be important for protecting mountain chickadee populations into the future.
