Out of curiousity I retrieved and weighed the Crested Pigeon killed
by the Sparrowhawk yesterday - it was plump and weighed over 200 gm
(perhaps nearer 250 by ancient kitchen scales).
Given the average size of Sparrowhawks, this means it was about the
same size as its prey- quite a load to carry even over short 30 m
carries as seen yesterday.
Do they usually go for prey as large as this? Is there a good
source of information on their diet in the ACT region? I've
previously seen one kill and carry an Indian Mynah in this street,
but they are perhaps half the weight of a C Pigeon.
Thanks
Robin
On 28/08/2010 4:58 PM, Robin Hide wrote:
Walked too quickly out the front door this afternoon and scared
off the front lawn (shielded from street by hedge) a Collared
Sparrowhawk (I think) plus Crested Pigeon prey it was just
starting to pluck.
It flew 30 m or so across the street plus prey, and then again
another 20 m hop, and finally to a driveway where a garage sale
was being held. Arrival of ravens plus people saw it abandon prey
and perch a few metres away, before eventually giving up and
flying off.
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