Treesearch
Food habits of nesting prairie falcons in Campbell County
| Authors: | John R. Squires, Stanley H. Anderson, Robert Oakleaf |
| Year: | 1989 |
| Type: | Scientific Journal |
| Station: | Rocky Mountain Research Station |
| Source: | Journal of Raptor Research. 23(4): 157-161. |
Download (PDF 1.34 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/52054.pdf
Abstract
Fifteen species of prey were utilized by nesting Prairie Falcons (Falco mexicanus) as determined through pellet analysis. Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus), the most common prey, were present in 91% of the pellets, followed by Western Meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta) which were present in 56% of pellets. Horned Larks (Eremophila alpestris) and Lark Buntings (Calamospiza melanocorys) were found in 23% and 12% of the pellets, respectively. Additional prey species were present in low frequencies (≤55%). Eighty-nine percent of pellets contained both bird and mammal remains. Four percent of pellets contained only bird remains while 7% contained only mammalian remains.