Scavenging has been increasingly documented for difficult to observe species through advances in motion-triggered photography. Here, we document several instances of scavenging over multiple days by a Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) on a Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) carcass. These observations are of particular interest because the owl visited the carcass 25 times, with the longest visit lasting >3 hrs. In addition, the owl routinely defended the carcass against Black-billed Magpies (Pica hudsonia). These observations suggest scavenging may represent a larger role in the diet of Northern Hawk Owls; further research is required in order to understand its importance for this and other raptor species.
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1 December 2017
Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) Scavenges and Defends a Lynx (Lynx canadensis) Carcass in Winter
Michael J. L. Peers,
Stan Boutin
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Canada lynx
carrion
Northern Hawk Owl
scavenging
Surnia ulula