Hi All,
I am seeking to tap into the knowledge of all on birding-aus with regards to
identifying likely avian predators of dead birds (or other animals such as
mammals).
I recently found a dead regent bowerbird and concluded that an owl was the
likely predator, probably a Sooty Owl given the size of the prey, location
and habitat. The bowerbirds cranium was removed and the brain had been
consumed, the feathers on the inner wing and back had been stripped and some
muscle/organs removed from the dorsal of the bird. The pectoral muscles and
remainder of the underside was intact (in fact the meal was really quite
wasted!). I had learnt from working with the Gould's Petrel recovery team
that 'entering' the prey from the dorsal surface and then 'turning the
carcass inside out' is typical of owls. From the same work Peregrine falcons
tended to break most of the bones of the petrel's bodies, especially the
wings and strip the carcass clean. Evidence of Australian Raven predation on
the petrels was through breaking of or damage to the sternum, whereas that
of Pied Currawongs involved the sternum (specifically keel) remaining
intact.
What I seek information from is what other knowledge people may have on
clues to identifying the predator of dead birds, or the habits of avian
predators in the way they process their prey.
Cheers, Dean
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