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- Title
Predation of Small-bodied Mammals ( Callithrix and Kerodon) by Laughing Falcons ( Herpetotheres cachinnans) in the semi-arid Caatinga Scrub Forest of the Brazilian Northeast.
- Authors
Amora, Tacyana D.; Ferrari, Stephen F.
- Abstract
Laughing Falcons ( Herpetotheres cachinnans), are known to feed primarily on snakes, although there are reports in the literature of the falcons feeding on other prey. In the present study in the semi-arid scrublands of the Brazilian Caatinga, two predation events were recorded in which Laughing Falcons captured small-bodied mammals, a marmoset ( Callithrix jacchus) and a rock cavy ( Kerodon rupestris), both estimated to be approximately 200-300 g in weight. In both cases, the mammals were juveniles; the falcon swooped down to capture the prey in its talons, then it flew off to feed some distance away. While these events suggest a shift in the feeding niche of the falcon in response to local conditions, the number of observations is too small to permit definitive conclusions on this phenomenon.
- Subjects
BRAZIL; PREDATION; MARMOSETS; FALCONS; ANIMAL feeding behavior; BIRDS
- Publication
Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 2014, Vol 126, Issue 4, p771
- ISSN
1559-4491
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1676/13-149.1