Fauna Norvegica (Oct 2024)

Do eagle owls select larger water voles?

  • Karl Frafjord

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5324/fn.v23i0.5982
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 23

Abstract

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Optimal foraging theory predicts that a hunter should hunt the energetically most profitable prey, often the larger size classes. The eagle owl is a formidable hunter of water voles. Measurements of mandibles of voles eaten by eagle owls indicated a size frequency distribution more skewed toward larger individuals than could be expected, suggesting a selection of voles by the owls.

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