Prey selection by peregrine falcons during the nestling stage in Alaska

• Main Author: Hunter, Robin E.
• Other Authors: Crawford, John A., Matzke, Gordon, Henny, Charles, Anthony, Robert, Oregon State University. Graduate School
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English; unknown
• Published: Oregon State University
• Subjects: Peregrine falcon > Food; Falco peregrinus; peregrine falcon; Yukon river; Alaska; Yukon
• Online Access: https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/6d5701605

Proper management of peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) includes management of its prey. Little quantitative data on prey selection by peregrine falcons have been collected. The objective of this study was to determine species and relative abundance of prey brought to eyries by peregrine falcons during the nestling stage and to compare these data with the relative abundance of birds along a portion of the Yukon River, Alaska. In 1985 and 1986, >55 taxa were identified during bird surveys. A total of 1536 individuals of 77 taxa were identified from prey remains. Of 47 prey taxa selected by frequency or biomass (taken in greater proportion than available), 8 were selected by frequency and biomass during both years (lesser yellowlegs; green-winged teal; solitary, upland and spotted sandpipers; Bonaparte's and mew gulls; and Bohemian waxwings). In addition gray jays and scaup, although not consistently selected, constituted a relatively large proportion of the diet. Riparian habitats (lakes, ponds, and rivers) produced the largest numbers of key prey and should be managed to maintain or enhance populations of prey.