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Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Planning to Facilitate Caching: Possible Suet Cutting by a Common Raven

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1999
Authors:Heinrich, B
Journal:The Wilson Bulletin
Volume:111
Issue:2
Date Published:1999
ISBN Number:00435643
Keywords:Corvidae, Corvus, Corvus brachyrhynchos, Corvus corax, Corvus corone, Cyanocitta, Cyanocitta cristata, Garrulus, Garrulus glandarius
Abstract:Many species of birds feed on suet in winter. As far as is known, they all take bite-sized chunks by pecking into this food randomly and/or they tear off protruding pieces. I compared the peck-marks left on suet by Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) and American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) with those left by Common Ravens (Corvus corax). Although most ravens feed like jays and crows, at least one individual made distinct grooves, aligning dozens of consecutive pecks, apparently to cut transportable chunks off large suet blocks.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/4164078
Short Title:The Wilson Bulletin
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