Predation on Vertebrates by Clark's Nutcrackers
Mulder BS, Schultz BB, Sherman PW. 1978. Predation on Vertebrates by Clark's Nutcrackers. The Condor. 80(4):449-451
Bent and Goodwin have suggested that various species in the family Corvidae are 'opportunistic' feeders and that predatory behavior is not unusual among crows. Here we report 13 observations of Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) attacking vertebrates in the central Sierra Nevada. We also saw the birds feeding on road kills 16 times. Although conifer seeds are the main food of these birds, they frequently eat meat. Belding's Ground Squirrels were attacked most frequently, but because our observations were concentrated on that species, the nutcrackers' preference for them may be exaggerated. Changes in the non-vegetable portion of their diets probably are influenced by the availability of prey. Our observations suggest that nutcrackers like many other corvids are omnivorous and prey on small vertebrates whenever possible.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Mulder, Barry; Schultz, Brian; Sherman, Paul
- Units
- YOSE
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Belding's ground squirrel (Spermophilus beldingi), Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana), Meadows, Predation, Subalpine Zone