AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Raptor and Vole Populations at an Airport

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1981
Authors:Baker, JA, BROOKS, RONALDJ
Journal:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume:45
Issue:2
Date Published:1981
ISBN Number:0022541X
Keywords:Accipitridae, Asio, Asio flammeus, Bubo, Bubo scandiacus, Buteo, Buteo jamaicensis, Buteo lagopus, Nyctea, Nyctea scandiaca, Strigidae
Abstract:Changes in numbers among overwintering populations of 4 species of raptors were studied in relation to changes in abundance of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) on Toronto International Airport from October to April of 1974-75 and 1975-76. Data from small-mammal trapping, analysis of raptor pellets, and direct observations of prey hunted and captured by the raptors indicated that meadow voles were the major prey of all 4 raptor species. Rough-legged hawks (Buteo lagopus) and short-eared owls (Asio flammeus) exhibited a greater numerical response to changes in vole abundance than did redtailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis). Changes in snowy owl (Nyctea scandiaca) numbers were opposite those of the other raptors.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/3807920
Short Title:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith