We observed Common Ravens (Corvus corax) on Protection Island, Washington that used their bills to dig into the nesting burrows of Rhinoceros Auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata) and prey on auklet eggs. In addition, we observed a raven fly away from a burrow with an auklet chick, a raven attack and unsuccessfully attempt to capture an adult auklet, and a raven fly with and feed on a freshly killed adult auklet. Although Common Ravens have been reported to prey on Rhinoceros Auklets’ eggs, to our knowledge this is the first report of a raven preying on a chick and the first report of an attempt by a raven to capture an adult auklet.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 June 2015
Common Ravens (Corvus corax) Prey on Rhinoceros Auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata) Eggs, Chicks, and Possibly Adults
James L. Hayward,
Gordon J. Atkins,
Ashley A. Reichert,
Shandelle M. Henson
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
The Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Vol. 127 • No. 2
June 2015
Vol. 127 • No. 2
June 2015
Cerorhinca monocerata
Common Ravens
Corvus corax
predation
Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge
rhinoceros auklets