How to translate text using browser tools
20 June 2019 American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) scavenging on domestic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) carcass
Sarah E. Schulwitz, Michael C. Griffith, Christopher J. W. McClure
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Despite the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) being one of the most commonly occurring and one of the most thoroughly studied raptors in North America, it has only been documented consuming wild carrion one time in the literature. Here, we document at least one American Kestrel feeding on the carcass of a domesticated turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) near Boise, Idaho. Each day for 5 consecutive days in January/ February 2018, we observed at least one unbanded female kestrel feeding on the turkey carcass for approximately 15 min per visit. American Kestrels have a diverse diet, but feed primarily on small rodents, insects, and other small prey, and demonstrate preferences for more active prey. Results reported here provide documentation for a rare feeding strategy in American Kestrels.

Sarah E. Schulwitz, Michael C. Griffith, and Christopher J. W. McClure "American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) scavenging on domestic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) carcass," The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 131(2), 410-413, (20 June 2019). https://doi.org/10.1676/18-101
Received: 3 May 2018; Accepted: 5 September 2018; Published: 20 June 2019
KEYWORDS
American kestrel
carrion
diet
domestic turkey
Falco sparverius
Meleagris gallopavo
scavenging
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top