AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

PREY OF GIANT EAGLE OWLS IN THE DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE, CAPE PROVINCE, AND SOME OBSERVATIONS ON HUNTING STRATEGY

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1985
Authors:Avery, G, Robertson, AS, Palmer, NG, Prins, AJ
Journal:Ostrich
Volume:56
Issue:1-3
Date Published:1985
ISBN Number:0030-6525
Keywords:Accipitridae, Ardea, Ardea melanocephala, Ardeidae, Bubo, Bubo bubo, Bubo capensis, Bubo lacteus, Buteo, Buteo buteo, Strigidae, Tytonidae
Abstract:Summary Avery, G., Robertson, A. S., Palmer, N.G. 4% Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala was the most common bird representing 14,8 % of the mass. Accipitridae (buzzards and harriers) and Tytonidae (owls represented 10,1 % of the mass. Leporidae (hares) were the most common mammals represented 10,7% of the mass. A single bone of an adult Grysbok Raphicerus melanoris represented 20,1% of the mass and was almost certanly taken as carrion. Similarities with diet data from other areas are apparent. The Giant Eagle Owl is omnivorous, its diet being determined bayrhabitat and local abundance. Comparison with the diet of Cape Eagle Owl Bubo capensis confirms that separation of habitats, with associated differences in the accessibility and availability of prey, explains the differences in prey taken by these species.Summary Avery, G., Robertson, A. S., Palmer, N.G. 4% Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala was the most common bird representing 14,8 % of the mass. Accipitridae (buzzards and harriers) and Tytonidae (owls represented 10,1 % of the mass. Leporidae (hares) were the most common mammals represented 10,7% of the mass. A single bone of an adult Grysbok Raphicerus melanoris represented 20,1% of the mass and was almost certanly taken as carrion. Similarities with diet data from other areas are apparent. The Giant Eagle Owl is omnivorous, its diet being determined bayrhabitat and local abundance. Comparison with the diet of Cape Eagle Owl Bubo capensis confirms that separation of habitats, with associated differences in the accessibility and availability of prey, explains the differences in prey taken by these species.
URL:http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00306525.1985.9639579
Short Title:Ostrich
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith