Prey Selection by Peregrine Falcons during the Nestling Stage
Hunter RE, Crawford JA, Ambrose RE. 1988. Prey Selection by Peregrine Falcons during the Nestling Stage. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 52(4):730-736
We determined species and relative abundance of prey brought to eyries by peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) during the nestling stage and compared these with the relative abundance of birds along a portion of the Yukon River, Alaska in 1985 and 1986. We identified >55 taxa (species and groups of species) during bird surveys. Prey remains included 1,536 individuals from 77 taxa. Of 47 prey taxa selected (taken in greater frequency or biomass than available within 3 km of eyries), 8 were selected by frequency and biomass during both years. Lesser yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) were the primary prey. Riparian habitats (lakes, ponds, and rivers) produced the largest numbers of key prey and should be managed to maintain or enhance prey populations.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Hunter, R; Crawford, J; Ambrose, R
- Units
- YUCH
- Keywords
- Abundance, Behavior, Birds, Falco Peregrinus, Nesting, Peregrine Falcons, Prey, Raptors, Yukon River, Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve