Winter Diet of an Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo Near the Yedikir Dam, Amasya (Turkey)

Abstract

Aim of study: The aim of this study was to contribute to the data on the diet of Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) in Turkey. Area of study: This study was conducted near the Yedikir Dam (Amasya) Material and methods: A total of 12 pellets of the Eurasian Eagle Owl collected in Yedikir Dam was analyzed. The remains of the skull and lower jaw were used for the identification of mammals. Main results: 60 preys were identified to belong to 6 different taxa (5 Rodents and 1 Passerine). The main prey was Mus spp. (35.0%). Only one bird remain was recorded from pellets. Highlights: Pellet analyses were the first step for understanding the diet of B. bubo. Considering, B. bubo is an opportunistic predator and can consume medium-sized mammals and large-sized birds. Hence, a diet study supported with remains that are directly collected from the nest or perching site and their surroundings will reveal more objectively prey preferences for this apex predator.